The launch of the Supply Chain & Logistics Group SCLG) Ireland, sponsored by Ulster Bank, was opened by Chairman Dr. Dermot Carey. Dermot’s key message was that he is pleased that SCLG have partnered with NITL on a number of fronts and is fully supportive of their research and educational initiatives. He stated that “the latter represent programmes of the highest standard for our current and future supply chain professionals”. Irish industry is still largely fragmented in terms of both systems and information and many challenges remain for all business in the effective development of domestic and international markets and trade. Dermot highlighted the philosophy of SCLG as being “action-oriented” and explained how it is currently embarking on establishing a permanent and full-time presence around the world. As part of this global expansion, SCLG Ireland is being established as a permanent body to raise awareness of industry challenges, as well as to influence and support new and improved ways of doing business and enabling change.

As an island wholly dependent on imports and exports, the launch introduced two powerful tools that will enable Irish business expansion with a true global connection of both people and trading entities. Jim Krzywicki, who flew in from Boston especially for the event, confirmed the unique tie-in of Web Port Global & The World Trade Council as a key benefit for SCLG Corporate Members. This partnership enhances the potential for Irish business expansion with access to, and visibility of, potential customers on a global scale. Gerry Ennis, Head of Global Trade Finance at Ulster Bank, and Margaret Carrigan, Head of Sales at Ulster Bank, provided an informative presentation on how businesses can avail of working capital either through the Bank's Supply Chain Financing and/or Invoice Financing initiatives. Their presentations provided insights into practical approaches that firms of all sizes can avail of to improve their financial performance and competitive advantage.
 

After the event, SCLG Chief Operations Officer, Nigel Devenish, noted that a key observation from the event reinforces the message of NITL's Ed Sweeney in advance of the launch when he stated that “NITL shares SCLG’s philosophy in relation to the importance of enterprise integration”. “It was clear from discussions at the event that Ireland’s Supply Chain Community is in need of support as it endeavours to develop its domestic and international trade. It needs to equip its talent pool with world class academic and research resources. This has to be underpinned by – as yet not fully understood - methods of securing working capital financing to support businesses operating in a challenging global commercial environment”. Common consensus supported the view that a integrated approach, as advocated by Ed Sweeney and Dermot Carey, will provide tangible and sustainable benefits for those engaged in the design, planning and execution of Irish supply chains. As stated Ed Sweeney in his foreword to the launch event “This is vital if the nation’s goal of export-driven economic growth is to become a reality”.