Local businesses from across County Wicklow turned out in strong numbers for the in-person morning briefing titled, “Tariffs & Trade Tactics – What Every Business Needs to Know About Mitigating Risk”. This event, hosted by Wicklow County Council through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) on Friday, 2nd May 2025, at The GRID, Charlesland, Greystones.
The event featured international trade expert Brian Murphy from Global Trade, who provided an insightful analysis of the political and economic forces driving recent changes in U.S. tariffs and their implications for Irish businesses. Attendees were particularly engaged in discussions about safeguarding profit margins, reducing risk exposure and identifying alternative export markets in response to shifting global dynamics.
Participants praised the session for its clarity and relevance, especially the real-world case studies and the interactive Q&A with Mr. Murphy, which offered practical tools for managing international trade risks and improving supply chain resilience. Mr. Murphy also highlighted some interesting business opportunities arising from the potential Tariffs also.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien, commented: “The strong attendance at this event highlights the willingness among Wicklow’s business community to stay ahead of global developments. We were pleased to facilitate such a valuable learning opportunity.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added: “It is essential for businesses to be proactive in mitigating external risks. We were delighted to welcome Brian Murphy and to support Wicklow’s entrepreneurs with these forward-looking insights.”
Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise at LEO Wicklow, said: “Helping businesses remain agile and competitive is central to our mission. This briefing provided attendees with real, actionable strategies they can take back into their businesses. Following the event, we are offering one to one clinics with Mr. Murphy for business owners looking to getting an insight how tariffs may impact their individual enterprises. The booking link to these free clinics is available at Wicklow Training Events/Online Bookings ”
The event also offered networking opportunities over a light breakfast, encouraging connections among local business leaders and reinforcing the county's commitment to a globally aware enterprise culture.
LEO Wicklow are organising an Export Development Training Programme to assist businesses with developing new export markets later this year. Anyone interested in participating can register their interest here: Wicklow Training Events/Online Bookings Expression of Interest Export Development Programme Autumn 2025
Coverage of the session also featured on RTE, highlighting the regional significance of these global trade challenges and Wicklow’s proactive response.
IMAGERY
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(L to R) Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District Cllr. Tom Fortune, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Wicklow Vibeke Delahunt, Guest Speaker Brian Murphy (Global Trade), Cllr. Louise Fenelon Gaskin and Deputy Edward Timmins at the LEO Wicklow Tariffs, Trade & Tactics Briefing in the Grid, Greystones. Photo credit - Michael Kelly
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Sean Farmer, Damien Mulligan and Fiona Leonard at the LEO Wicklow Tariffs, Trade & Tactics Briefing in the Grid, Greystones. Photo credit - Michael Kelly.
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Deirdre Whelan and Melissa Carroll at the LEO Wicklow Tariffs, Trade & Tactics Briefing in the Grid, Greystones. Photo credit - Michael Kelly.
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Anya Llewellyn and Lisa Cunningham at the LEO Wicklow Tariffs, Trade & Tactics Briefing in the Grid, Greystones. Photo credit - Michael Kelly.
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Anya Llewellyn and Lisa Cunningham at the LEO Wicklow Tariffs, Trade & Tactics Briefing in the Grid, Greystones. Photo credit - Michael Kelly.