O’Neills Managing Director Kieran Kennedy has joined the Department of International Trade’s advisory group for British Manufacturing and Consumer Goods, the sole representative from Northern Ireland on the influential body.
The Strabane businessman will play a central role in advising the Department during future trade negotiations to help inform the government’s negotiating position and deliver key industry deals that benefit the whole UK.
As Managing Director of O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd since 1988, Kieran was recently appointed to the Board of Invest NI and currently Chairs Strabane Training Services, Customised Training Services and Strabane Business Improvement District.
Mr Kennedy is well placed to share his insight and expertise. Under his leadership, O’Neills have become the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland, with sustained business growth in both domestic and overseas markets including the USA, Australasia and Africa.
O’Neills were recently hailed as CBI ‘Business Heroes’ for their ability to rapidly transform their production line from sportswear to scrubs for the healthcare sector at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Kennedy will offer an informed, measured and experienced voice as a member of the Trade Advisory Group. He has a deep understanding of textile manufacturing and a track record of driving significant improvements in product innovation, customer service, IT and business transformation.
Commenting on the new appointment, Kieran Kennedy said: “Securing sound international trade agreements is essential for the economy which is facing probably its biggest challenge in living memory. I am committed to ensuring negotiations draw to a successful conclusion for all involved. I am happy to share my experience to get the right deals in place for O’Neills and other manufacturing companies who are significant local employers.
“Trade negotiations are a new territory as it is the first time in more than a generation that the UK has acted independently of the European Union. I welcome the opportunity to help make a positive influence on any deals decided upon so they deliver for Northern Ireland, and to protect jobs and the economy here.
“I intend to be a vocal member of the group to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone involved in manufacturing which is still the bedrock of our local economy.”
A total of 11 Trade Advisory Groups (TAGs) in key sectors including telecoms and technology and chemicals were launched yesterday by International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, in a bid to intensify trade negotiations.
The new groups are comprised of the best and brightest businesspeople from across Britain and Northern Ireland as part of DIT’s efforts to ensure trade deals benefit all regions and devolved administrations.
Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss said: “This is about bringing business closer to the negotiating table and using their expertise to help secure the best possible deals that deliver jobs and growth across Britain. Talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand are entering their crucial latter stages, so it is only right that we step up engagement with vital industries to utilise their technical and strategic expertise.”
The groups were established in July in order to meet the requirements of the Department’s trade negotiations and to ensure they progress at pace.
