Cluster development is a key element of Irish Economic Development Strategy. For Irish businesses Cluster development will be central to gaining competitive advantage in International markets. At Smart Marketing we have valuable and extensive experience of work with and developing Irish Clusters.
We have earned a reputation for building and growing member led industry clusters since 2005. We work with groups of companies and public bodies who have an ambition and vision for a cluster in a particular region or sector. Smart Marketing have a proven track record on collaborating, connecting; networking and managing business networks and clusters.
Smart Marketing understand the requirements for a building an eco system based on hard work, trust and time. We love to learn about our member companies, understand their requirements and match those with other members and the vast range of supports which are available to help each business, individually and collectively achieve their goals of growth, internationalisation and innovation.
We have been involved on many business networks and groups since 2005. See below some of our current projects.
- LINC https://www.lincnetwork.ie/
- Emerald Aero Group http://emeraldaerogroup.com/
- Engenuity https://midlandsengineering.ie/
While these examples of Clusters are focused on Engineering firms, we work with Clusters in Food and tourism. If you would like to discuss possible services to your cluster in development or inexistence please contact us…
In 2018 we were successful in winning a government tender with LEO Limerick and LEO Cork North and West to build a rural engineering cluster of 20 member companies. We began work on this cluster with plan that required implementation and a list of engineering firms located across the region.
Since then the LINC Engineering group has grown to over 50 members located in East/ West Limerick and North Cork.
Two round of funding totally €200,000 have been secured for network members.
A cluster structure has been put in place connecting our engineering firms with regional stakeholder; Local Enterprise Limerick; Local Enterprise North Cork; Midwest Regional Skills Forum; South West Regional Skills Forum; LIT; UL; The Bernal Institute: The Confirm Smart Manufacturing Centre. Pre- Pandemic times our member companies enjoyed site tours and physical networking events.
Since March 2020, our members meeting fortnightly online where member discuss relevant business topics.
As part of our cluster management strategy, key areas of focus include; Research and development collaborations; Business development collaborations; Economies of scale and bulk buying; Internationalisation and business growth and development. These meeting have been instrumental in supporting businesses during the last 12 months.
As the network coordination company for Emerald Aero we joined the cluster in early 2020.
A member led cluster with a focus on international business development in Aerospace and collaboration across all relevant business functions.
Our role here is to manage the international business development team and ensure that the operations of the cluster operate successfully. This include coordination of fortnightly meetings; sub-group management and coordination.
Emerald Aero is a very successful example of a member led cluster and while they are financially supported with Enterprise Ireland, this group is driven by the agenda of the very ambitious groups of member companies.
As coordinators, we simply assist in facilitating and realising their vision.
In 2020 we were successful in winning a government tender with LEO Westmeath for the management of Engenuity, a Midlands based engineering cluster focused on micro business. The cluster was initiated by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath and includes Local Enterprise Office Offaly; Local Enterprise Office Longford and Local Enterprise Office Laois.
An existing group of members companies was already in existence as this group had been coordinated by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath since 2017.
In the last 12 month the group has doubled in size to having over 33 members engaging regularly and over 60 members in total.
As network coordinators we have developed an eco system and structure for Engenuity. We have engaged with regional Stakeholders to include Enterprise Ireland; IDA; Local Enterprise Offices Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Offaly; AIT; Midlands Regional Skills Forum; DEASP; IMR and Solas.
Since May 2020, our members meet fortnightly online where member discuss relevant business topics. As part of our cluster management strategy, key areas of focus include; Research and development collaborations; Business development collaborations; Economies of scale and bulk buying; Internationalisation and business growth and development.
These meeting have been instrumental in supporting businesses during the last 12 months.
Contact us if you would like to discuss your cluster needs with us.