I Network

InterTradeIreland Director Aidan Gough got behind the wheel recently at Formula Karting in Newry to encourage Northern Ireland companies to take advantage of the Trade Accelerator Voucher scheme in a bid to get ahead of the game and prepare for the economic upturn.

The scheme, which is being rolled out to help companies overcome barriers to cross-border trade, will provide vouchers up to the value of £1800 which can be redeemed to access expert advice on taxation, employment law, currency and regulation when doing business on a cross-border basis.

Mr Gough said:

Many companies are nervous about taking the first step to export success because of different regulatory challenges. They are unsure where to go for expert advice, or in the current climate cannot afford to pay for this advice. This voucher helps companies to get over these barriers, speeding up the market entry process.

To date, companies have applied for the vouchers to access advice on how to deal with the difference in VAT procedures North and South, data protection laws, and industry specific regulations and their impact for doing business on an all-island basis.

Companies must be quick off the mark to apply as vouchers are nearly gone. Visit

• www.intertradeireland.com/firststopshop

or email firststopshop@intertradeireland.com to apply today