Thinking Beyond - SCALE UP: What needs to change that more businesses scale successfully from the Atlantic Corridor?
Scaling businesses create jobs, drive innovation and strengthen regional economies and communities. Yet fewer businesses in the Atlantic Corridor of the island of Ireland scale successfully compared with those located in the capital cities.
What explains this gap – and what can be done about it?
This thought leadership event brings together insights from the Atlantic Futures research project, practitioners, and support providers. It explores what it takes for businesses to scale up from the West and North-West of Ireland, both North and South to consider both sides of the border. This will include recommendations for leaders and policy. Our report, Business Scaling from the Atlantic Corridor, will be pre-released, highlighting lessons learned and recommendations from more than 20 scaling businesses.
Registration is free.
Speakers
Esther Tippmann
Professor of Strategy and Co-Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Growth and Scaling
Esther's research concerns the international strategies of organizations, including global scaling.
She has been published widely in leading journals, including practitioner outlets like Harvard Business Review and Sloan Management Review.
John Harkin OBE
Founder and former CEO of Alchemy Technology
John is the founder and former CEO of Alchemy Technology Services, an insurance technology consultancy established in Derry/Londonderry in 2018. Following Alchemy's integration into NTT DATA, he now holds a global leadership role within NTT Data. John was awarded an OBE for services to the economy and has also received an Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University in recognition of his contributions to business, technology and regional development.
Méabh Conaghan
Regional Director for the Northern and Western Region, Enterprise Ireland
Regional Director for the Northern and Western Region, Enterprise Ireland. Méabh is also the agency lead on the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme that focusses on Sustainability, Women’s Entrepreneurship and Cluster Programmes. Méabh is a fluent Irish speaker and has strong connections to the Irish language, culture and the arts.
Rachel Hilliard
Associate Professor of Management, University of Galway
Rachel is currently a research lead on the HEA North-South funded Atlantic Futures research project. Rachel’s research concerns innovation and entrepreneurship, including women’s entrepreneurship and regional learning and growth. She has been published widely in leading innovation journals.
Kristel Miller
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Ulster University
Kristels research explores innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth, with particular interests in how firms develop the capabilities, skills and partnerships needed to adapt, scale and respond to technological change. Kristel is also a Director of Innovation Ulster Limited, a Commissioner with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and a reviewer for the European Commission
Aeidin McCarter
Head of Regional Business for Invest Northern Ireland's North West
Aeidin leads engagement with businesses across the Derry City & Strabane and Causeway Coast & Glens council areas. In her role, she works closely with indigenous firms, entrepreneurs, stakeholders and partners to support business growth, innovation and investment across the region. With a career spanning economic development, place-based growth and regional leadership, Aeidin has extensive experience supporting businesses and communities across the North West and beyond.
Fergal O’Connor
Founder and CEO, Buymedia
Fergal O’Connor is the founder and CEO of Buymedia, a Galway-based advertising technology company that has scaled from the West of Ireland into the UK and wider European markets. Under his leadership, Buymedia has been recognised as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing technology companies, ranking fourth in the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 50, and 73rd in the EMEA Technology Fast 500. Having navigated the realities of scaling firsthand, Fergal is a valuable voice that brings a practical founder perspective in conversations about scaling a business from the Atlantic Corridor.