Ireland
UK
Scotland
London
Twenty Irish businesses along with their UK clients or prospective customers attended a special business breakfast in Manchester recently.
President Michael D Higgins was guest of honour at the Enterprise Ireland organised business breakfast.
The event highlighted the strength of business relationships between Ireland and the north-west of England.
He then visited the new £6m Irish World Heritage site in Cheetham Hill in Manchester, which is nearing completion.
McMonagle Stone were involved in the Design & Supply of the Natural Stone chosen for the project supplying 2,500 tonnes of silver and gold quartzite for use on the exterior of the centre building as well as on the wall that surrounds the open-air ring fort.
McMonagle Stone Sales Director, Michael McMonagle, said: "For a period of time we were involved with the design team to discuss the project requirements, the specification of stone, how we would prepare the stone and how it would be selected for the project.
"Colour and thickness were very important considerations so we had to work very closely with the design team to supply the correct products. In terms of supplying stone in the UK this is one of the largest projects we have been involved in."
The new Irish World Heritage Centre will form the focal point of a larger multi-use scheme extending over 24 acres on the northern edge of Manchester city centre. The centre will offer not just a focal point for the Irish community in the area but also provide commercial premises, a health ad fitness club, a hotel and external sports facilities.
Michael added: "Working on the Irish World Heritage Centre project is very important to us. The project has secured jobs for us, which in the current climate is vital and for us to supply 2,500 tonnes of stone walling for a project in Manchester is brilliant."
In total the 20 Irish companies who were present export €100m of goods and services to the UK annually, creating local employment in construction, engineering and technology.
The UK is Ireland's main trading partner, accounting for 38% of indigenous exports.
Tel: 07497 35061
