Shanette Sheds nominated by Intertrade Ireland as Ambassadors for trade, meet with President Mary McAleese on Wednesday 1st June 2011.

InterTrade Ireland

Aidan Gough InterTrade Ireland, Darren and Thomas Keoghan.

President Mary McAleese, Senator Martain McAleese, Darren and Thomas Keoghan

President Mary McAleese and Darren Keoghan

President Mary McAleese and Thomas Keoghan

News release

7^th June 2011

 Local company recognised as an InterTradeIreland “Business Ambassador” at event hosted by Minister Richard Bruton TD.

Local company, Shanette Sheds from Killbeggan have been recognised as InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors for Westmeath at a special event held with Minister Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on Wednesday 1^st June in Dublin. Over 80 TDs and Senators were also in attendance at the event which recognised SMEs that have excelled through North-South trade and innovation.

Shanette Sheds, based in Killbeggan is the largest manufacturer of sectional steel buildings in Ireland. The local company, which is family owned, has built a successful business driven by the growth in demand for quick built outdoor steel storage buildings.

 Mr. Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation commented, “Government does not create jobs, people and businesses do; and the role of government is to create an environment in which those businesses can prosper. I am determined to do everything I can to reduce costs, improve access to finance and encourage innovation so that good businesses can expand and create the jobs that our economy and society so badly need. If there is one thing Ireland – north and south – does not lack it is enterprising, creative, hardworking people, and I look forward to working with them to discuss what government and small business together can do to get people back to work”.

 Over 65 companies from across Ireland attended the event with government representatives, including Ministers of State, TDs and Senators. Nicky McFadden, TD for Longford-Westmeath was also in attendance on the day.

 The group of InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors were also invited to meet President Mary McAleese at an exclusive reception at Áras an Uachtaráin to make their achievements, where she described the companies as ‘Champions of the future and leaders of change.’

 Also speaking at the event, InterTradeIreland Chairman Dr David Dobbin said: “We have supported companies right across Ireland, in every county and constituency and we are extremely proud of the examples of enterprise and innovation that are represented by our group of InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors. We hope that through highlighting the achievements of successful local SMEs like Shanette Sheds, we will inspire other local businesses to take advantage of cross-border trade and collaboration opportunities.”