Brexit Update – where are we now? 19 January

When we planned this event, we were still waiting on news from the Brexit negotiators and hoped that by January 2021 we would be clear about whether or not we have a Free Trade Agreement with Europe.

Now that this FTA has been agreed we look to our expert panellists to guide businesses on immediate action points and the impact on Northern Ireland’s trading position.

Deirdre Maguire of InterTrade Ireland and Seamus Leheny of Logistics UK, who have taken part in all four of our Countdown to Brexit webinars of 2020, will discuss the learnings and practical implications for business.

Presenter bios:

Deirdre Maguire, InterTradeIreland

 Deirdre has a wide range of experience working with SMEs, is a Bachelor of Financial Services.  She previously worked with Ulster Bank in both Retail and in Business Banking for over 20 years and in a range of positions. She then worked in the manufacturing sector with Norbrook Laboratories and then with MJM Marine Group and now manages the InterTradeIreland Brexit Advisory Service and is working closely with SMEs sharing the detail of supports available through Brexit and Covid.

Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK

Seamus Leheny is the Policy Manager for Logistics UKin Northern Ireland representing the interests of businesses involved in all elements of logistics, supply chains and transport.

Seamus’s work involves regular engagement with national and local government on a widerange of policy matters ranging from Brexit, compliance, sustainable transport and infrastructure.

Prior to working for Logistics UK, Seamus worked in the European and Deep Sea shipping industry representing variousshipping companies based in Belfast Port gaining valuable experience in supply chains, administrative and customs protocols for various trade flows.

Moderator Bio:

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

Paul Clancy qualified as an Electrical Engineer BSc Elec Hons from Trinity College Dublin and has Diplomas in both Manufacturing and Human Resource Management with the Irish Management Institute (IMI).

He has held a number of senior management roles withing the Agri, Food, Drinks and Manufacturing Industries within Ireland, UK and Scandinavia.

Paul has held Sales Director, Marketing and Managing Director roles andmost recently was the MD of Baxi Ireland (Part of BDR Thermea).

As CEOof the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Paul is looking forward to leading this organisation through what are some very challenging times.