As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2016, it is time to assess the year’s business forecast – and most importantly, what this information means for those involved in a small to medium sized business (SME). As the first two months of the year have passed, hopefully you have settled last year’s accounts and are moving on to make 2016 a new – and successful – year in its own right.

There are some positives – and negatives – for SMEs in the following expert predictions, read on in order to learn more about the year ahead and what you can do in order to maximise your potential.

2016 – A positive outlook for the year ahead?

The year started off with a bang when experts across the UK began predicting some positives for those involved in entrepreneurship and business. In late December 2015, the Telegraph published predictions that the nation seemed to be on the “cusp of a period of sustained good health.” This certainly seemed to be great news for SMEs.

It has since been predicted by the Bank of England that the British GDP will grow at an annual rate of 2.5 percent over the next half decade, a healthy boost that is pleasing business owners large and small. After all, if there is more money in the economy, it stands to reason that average people have more money in their pocket – there are then certain to be more people willing to part with their hard earned pounds on products, services and experiences – and maybe even on your SME.

Cautious Optimism

While this news seems like unequivocal good tidings for any SME in the UK, many small business owners are remaining cautiously optimistic. In a survey of thousands of entrepreneurs conducted by YouGov and EasyJet, only slightly more than half of the SME owners reported feeling like their businesses will grow over the next year.

This means that over forty five percent of those questioned are feeling rather apathetic about the prospects of the coming 12 months. Perhaps this is less a feeling of apathy, and simply just caution as the economy slowly recovers; it would be interesting to poll those same business owners this time next year and see if they have embraced the economy’s potential.

How can SMEs embrace and harness the surging economy’s potential?

If the UK continues to grow, many SME owners are wondering how they can embrace this potential and truly harness it for their own growth and profit. Here are a few pieces of advice that any small business owner can implement.

Hire the right people for the job

While it may be tempting to hire prodigiously during this time of growth and positive economic forecasting, it always pays to slow down and truly think about the best person for the job when it comes to hiring new staff.

While you may be in desperate need of a warm body to help you field calls, complete daily tasks and help around the office, it is incredibly important that you put a considerable amount of effort into finding the right staff. You may need to offer increased benefits, more perks and higher salaries in order to attract the best talent on the market.

Prepare for your exports to increase

Whether your SME regularly ships millions of pounds worth of goods around the globe, or whether you have never sold a single item beyond the border of your county, you need to begin to craft an international sales strategy. With foreign markets more lucrative than ever, and platforms such as Amazon, EBay and Etsy enabling you to reach them quickly and easily, you would be remiss to lose out on exports.

Even if you are not immediately planning to commence sales abroad, you should begin preparing for the logistics in order to do so as soon as possible. Having a strong implementation strategy in place will help you to enact smart policies as soon as the time is right, saving you time, money and lost sales.

Stay cautious

While you do not want to squander opportunities owing to an overly vigilant attitude toward the economy, you still must be realistic; a slip in the national and/ or global economic outlook may cause the UK to fall right back into a recession. While you should plan for and take advantage of growth, you must also always have a back-up plan and a more conservative strategy to fall back on in the event of financial turmoil.

2016 – The Next Three Quarters

Of course, for every positive financial forecast there is at least one more foreseeing doom – some economic experts have predicted that we can expect a financial crisis paralleled only by the great recession. While this opinion certainly has its champions, a financial crash is far from a foregone conclusion; many other experts are predicting a far better outcome.

One thing that analysts can agree upon is the supposed glut of SMEs on the market; start-ups, once so exciting and new, are increasingly being seen as a dime a dozen, and some experts think that that could spell disaster. lan Patricof, co-founder of Greycroft Partners, is worried. He has stated, “I am concerned about the over exuberance in financing of startups. There are just too many at the moment… I think inevitably we’re going to see more of these try the public market, and that will finally tell us whether they can support themselves.” While he does have a point about the large number of start-ups on the market, Patricof may be underestimating the power and the innovative spirit of your SME.

As a savvy entrepreneur, you already know that you need to ensure that your business stands out from the rest – let the financial climate of 2016 help you to prioritise, strategise and grow wisely.

While the UK manufacturing industries have certainly changed over the past century, this country is still a thriving place for production. Many start ups and established companies are making record profits making goods in the UK, and with a few hints and suggestions, so can you.

UK Manufacturing – A thing of the past?

The United Kingdom has a rich and storied history of manufacturing. From the trade guilds of the middle ages, bursting with skilled artisans producing handmade goods to the smoke belching factories of the Industrial Revolution, products of all kinds have been produced in the UK for millennia.

With that said, over the past thirty years a vast portion of this country’s once strong manufacturing industry has dwindled, throttled by high production costs and forced to relocate to countries with cheaper labour costs and lower overhead, such as Poland, China, Sri Lanka and others.

Vast swathes of formerly industrial land are being transformed into tech firm business hubs and luxury loft conversions, and from a simple look around one could be fooled into thinking that all manufacturing industries have left the UK for good. However, that quick glance would not tell the complete story – there are many firms, large and small, that still continue to manufacture all types of goods here in the UK to this day, and with a strengthening economy it seems that they will soon be joined by even more.

Manufacturing still an important part of the economy

Nearly 10 % of the British work force is involved in manufacturing in one form or another, and while this may be down from figures and statistics of yore, it still represents a large number of average people who rely on these industries for their bread and butter. The automobile production industry in the UK is actually on the rise; 2015 was their best year since 2008, and over 1 million cars were made in this country.

5 manufacturers setting the bar in the UK

From businesses that have stood the test of time to newbie start ups attempting to create a change, here is a small curated sampling of just a few of the manufacturers that are alive and well in the UK in 2016.

1. Cambridge Satchel Company – Buttery soft leather satchels and bags in timeless styles and bright colours, all sewn to perfection – this is the (not so) secret formula to the Cambridge Satchel Company’s success. Started in 2008 by a mum hoping to pay her kids’ school fees, this homegrown business has spawned a factory employing hundreds and brick and mortar stores across the world – they are now available in 120 countries. An amazing achievement in less than a decade!
2. Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics – A truly British success story, this quirky gang of ragtag cosmeticians began selling their iconic bath bombs, solid shampoos and cheese like wedges of soap in 1977 via a mail order catalogue. Many years (and a few name changes) later, 900 Lush Cosmetics shops are located in forty nine countries worldwide, and yet they still manufacture most of their products in Poole (additional factories in Canada and Japan meet worldwide need). The business world is paying attention – they earned record profits in 2015.
3. Rude Health – Starting small was the name of the game for this whole foods manufacturer. Londoners Camilla and Nick Bernard couldn’t find a muesli they liked in 2005, and so they decided to create their own – and now their company Rude Health is available across the country and reaching out to the continent. Priding itself on healthy, nutritious food, Rude Health’s products are made in the capital, to the tune of a 6 million turnover last year. Not so rude!
4. Turnberry Rug Works – Established in 1991, the team at Turnberry creates luxurious, bespoke rugs, carpets and wall hangings in a converted granary building on the West Coast of Scotland. They hand make their exquisite pieces out of the finest materials available, and their clients include embassies, celebrities and blue chip corporations.
5. Spectris – A global powerhouse in the industrial instrument arena, Spectris was established in 1915 and listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1988. They ‘make highly-specialised measuring instruments and controls for some of the most technically-demanding industrial applications’ at their factory in Egham. Employing over 8000 people in 30 countries worldwide, they have annual revenues topping 1 billion pounds.

How can you get started as a manufacturer in the UK?

If you are a small to medium sized business owner and you are considering manufacturing your products in the UK, you first need to be aware of a few factors. These can help you get off of the ground and get started!

• Location – If you want to get started on a tight budget, you will need to consider headquartering your manufacturing base in a relatively inexpensive location. So yes, that means London is out! In a smaller, more affordable area your rent, wage costs, and personal living expenses will be cheaper, and these factors can be the difference between success and failure in the first lean years. Recent studies have shown that Wales might be your cheapest option, but other factors such as transportation might affect your decision.
• Grants – Each year, nearly a billion pounds is made available in the form of grants to help new businesses get off of the ground, and as a newcomer to the manufacturing industry, it pays to take advantage of these. Check the government finance and business support finder to see the grants for which you may be eligible.

• Shared Factories – Running a factory can be a costly ordeal; for those who want to take advantage of the so called ‘sharing economy’ there is an ideal solution. Shared Factory schemes allow manufacturers to group together in order to share the often hefty costs associated with getting a factory up and running.

Manufacturing – alive and well in the UK

As you can clearly see, the manufacturing industry is alive and well in the United Kingdom, and as more savvy young entrepreneurs enter these industries you can expect to see a focus on unique, high quality and handmade goods all bearing the seal “Made in Britain.”

So often the unsung heroes of Britain’s business environment, female entrepreneurs are rapidly changing the face of what it means to be successful today.

Michelle Mone, Karren Brady, Emma Bridgewater – there are recognisable names that will always reappear when discussions turn to female entrepreneurship in the UK. But what of the many less heard of women who are raising capital, launching ventures, and building businesses that are quietly sweeping the nation? This International Women’s Day, we take a look at some of the UK’s emerging entrepreneurs, and define the characteristics that make each one a success.

Entrepreneurs: Roshni Assomull and Shaleena Chanrai

Company: Bella Kinesis

Fitness enthusiasts turned business partners Roshni Assomull and Shaleena Chanrai launched the social enterprise Bella Kinesis in December 2014. A unique CSR concept, Bella Kinesis is a women’s sportswear brand that funds a business education for a woman in rural India for each item of sportswear sold. “We’re both in our mid-twenties and launched the company with really no business experience at all,” reveals Roshni. “Exercise not only makes women physically stronger, but also leaves them feeling more confident and empowered. We wanted to give this same feeling to other women by helping them start their own businesses.” All of their garments are made in Britain using premium performance Italian fabric, and on what Roshni calls a “shoestring budget”, the duo has set about publicizing their brand. So far, so good – Bella Kinesis has recently been featured in Glamour and the Guardian, and has just been awarded a PEA Award for promoting conscious consumerism. “We also won Theo Paphitis’ #SBS Challenge in December 2015, and were shortlisted for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards for Social Enterprise (International), Micro Business and Manufacturing,” adds Roshni.

Entrepreneur: Anna Jacobs

Company: Anna Jacobs

London-based designer Anna Jacobs possesses the definition of entrepreneurial spirit. Having studied art and interior design at school, Anna lost “everything” five years ago. “To get back on my feet, I started my own business as an artist and homewares designer and completely changed my career path,” she reveals. “My business has grown hugely over the last 18 months and I’ve recently been named as one of ‘Five super talented new homewares designers to know’ by Good Housekeeping magazine. I’m just expanding into Europe and have been chosen as one of a group of British designers to be launched in America at the end of March.” In addition to this, Anna has also launched a social enterprise aspect of her business through which she aims to help other single parents and women. “As such, one of my new cushions is being sewn by women in a high security prison. I have other plans too!” she adds.

Entrepreneur: Amy Crabtree

Company: Cakes with Faces

Nominated for a NEO Award 2015 (Best Specialist Company), Cakes with Faces is the brainchild of graphic artist/designer and owner Amy Crabtree. The brand features a range of colourful t-shirts and gifts inspired by Japanese culture and kawaii (cute) design. “I started my business as a hobby five years ago and in 2014 it became my full time job,” says Amy. “I sell online and at events like London Comic Con and Hyper Japan, and I also run a YouTube channel to promote my business.” Cakes with Faces was part of the top 100 small businesses in Small Business Saturday, and has been featured on BBC Radio, The Guardian Christmas Gift Guide, and nominated for 4 NEO Awards (Best Specialist Company). Amy’s eye-catching designs certainly haven’t gone unnoticed: “George Osborne once called me ‘the most colourful person who’s ever been at Downing Street!’”

Entrepreneur: Katrina Aleksa

Company: Predella House

Predella House is an online art gallery based in London, curating art for the so-called “culturally curious”. Predella House is run by a small, all female team looking to break down barriers in the art world through the medium of social media. “We believe the art world should not be gated by art critics and auction houses, but that everyone should be entitled to join the debate, and thus opening the gates of the art world,” says Katrina. With the online art market now valued at £2.6 billion as of 2015, Katrina is determined to push the art world forward and make this market more accessible to users on platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram.

The characteristics they have in common

The ability to recognise a gap in the market, ambition and dedication, fearlessness – a number of buzzwords are used to describe entrepreneurial characteristics on a daily basis.

While the women behind Britain’s start-up businesses may have this in abundance, they also possess so much more. “It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness,” once said Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. When looking at the profiles of Britain’s female entrepreneurs, it can be seen that each venture was born out of a willingness to combine passion and contribution. There is an increasing focus on not just running a business, but building an enterprise that puts back into the community. In an article penned for Entrepreneur.com, Founder and CEO of Market Domination Media Jonathon Long outlined eight entrepreneurial qualities that contribute to success. Coming in at number eight?

Giving Back.

“It is important to understand how lucky we are, as entrepreneurs, to do what we love,” he writes. “When you are appreciative of what you have accomplished and then take a step back to see what you can do to give back, it gives you a feeling like no other.” Whether it’s helping women in India access education or helping women in the UK rehabilitate, many of the business ventures helmed by women are seeking not just to turn a profit, but to make a palpable change and leave a mark on society.

With nearly one million SMEs run by women in the UK, the time to recognize women’s accomplishments in launching and running British businesses is now. This International Women’s Day, Formations Direct, is proud to support women’s enterprise and help entrepreneurs put businesses of any size on the path to success.

Prime Minister David Cameron recently returned from renegotiation deals for Britain’s membership of the European Union. It was a policy set out in his Conservative manifesto, and something people have been waiting a long time for; as can be seen with the rise of UKIP in recent years and their success (in terms of number of votes) at the recent election. With the referendum date set for 23rd June 2016, campaigning has begun for both the “in” and “out” camps. Below we look at the impact a Brexit could have on British SMEs, who provide a combined annual turnover of £1.8 trillion to the UK.

The UK are champions of the single market, but a Brexit would limit their advocacy for further liberalisation. Many EU regulations allow for the platform that a single market requires, and by leaving Britain would lose the influence to shape EU policy and regulation in this market. Some argue that EU processes can be opaque and hard to influence, particularly when it comes to trying to shape policy for SMEs, and so losing what they see as limited influence isn’t such a bad thing.

However, the UK do still have one of the heaviest influences within the EU as they can veto in a number of policy areas. Around 74% of firms believe that the UK can continue to be influential over EU policy, and also that a Brexit will have a “negative” or “very negative” impact on SMEs (see more details here).

Some of these firms, such as EasyJet and Shell, have a signed a letter in support of the UK remaining as a member of the EU. They write that the Brexit would “deter investment and threaten jobs”. However, the opinion from SME executives remains less clear. The Forum of Private Business has refused to announce which side they support and simply urged for a reasoned and informed debate. Mike Cherry, the Policy Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, shared this approach when he said “Our research shows small business owners want both official campaigns to focus on the practical impact that remaining within or leaving the EU would have on their firms.”

As for the small business owners themselves, The Europe Business Review recently stated that 82% of SMEs regard the EU as important to their future growth. Markets in China and Brazil appear to be slowing down, seemingly making our dependency on the EU even greater. A Brexit could result in a recession, which SMEs are much more vulnerable to than larger businesses. It is likely that trade negotiations would be quickly renegotiated to stem any fallout from a Brexit, but it can’t be guaranteed how quickly this will happen and how SMEs will survive in the meantime.

As a member of the EU we are also part of the free movement policy, which allows for a large pool of highly-educated and highly-skilled potential employees to pass freely into Britain, perfect for SMEs. A Brexit could change this, halting free movement, increasing the battle between businesses for employees and an increase in wages as the cheaper influx of labour from outside of Britain is cut down. While this is good news for employees on potentially all spectrums on the wage scale, SMEs typically rely on cheaper labour.

Britain may however get the opportunity to better regulate social and employment policy, as well as trade and immigration policy if they leave the EU. Although only 12% of SMEs with 0-49 employees are actively engaged in international trade, all are affected by EU legislation, for better or for worse. Allowing British leaders to decide policy with British SMEs in mind could have many positives.

In the event of a Brexit, trade would continue with the EU and it is likely that an EU-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be reached due to the benefits of this for all EU member states. The UK would be free to negotiate this FTA on their own terms. However, it is worth remembering that the EU is the main trading partner for the UK, where we trade in excess of £400bn a year, and so we need them just as much as they need us. It will take awhile to renegotiate these deals and overseas clients might be hesitant to trade with British SMEs while uncertainty is still rife, so relying on more robust deals after a Brexit is not a secure or safe option.

We also assemble in the UK, but rarely manufacture, and so a Brexit could affect imports and exports negatively. Daniel Todaro, the Managing Director of Gekko, has said that “Ultimately, the single EU market has, and continues to be, absolutely crucial to emerging SMEs looking to expand operations overseas; and Europe is the first port of call.”

SMEs currently get support from the EU, such as with grants and loans, and this would most likely cease if a Brexit occurred. However, the UK does operate its own support organisations for SMEs such as Innovate UK, and upon leaving the EU the UK would save a sizeable amount in EU contributions, which a portion of can then be used to pump back into the funding of SMEs.

It is likely that in the short term a Brexit would cause disruption for SMEs. The uncertainty leading up to the referendum will leave the market shaky and may even devalue the Sterling, and setting up any treaties or agreements post-Brexit will take time, a commodity that SMEs don’t always have. However, in the longer term the effects would potentially become more beneficial to Britain, as British politicians gain greater sovereignty over British policy. They should still keep a good relationship with the EU, especially as we are their third highest contributor with approximately €4.7bn net contribution per annum, and so it is unlikely that a Brexit would be disastrous for Britain in the long term.

As a small to medium sized business owner, it can be bewildering to know what you should be tackling yourself and what tasks and responsibilities you should consider outsourcing. This is actually a very important decision – outsourcing at least some of the daily (or weekly/ monthly/ annual) duties involved in your operation can free you up and leave you more time to focus on your core business.

Entrepreneurs who are running their own SMEs are required to be modern day “Renaissance (Wo)Men,” juggling dozens of balls at once and still expected to deliver products and services at a high level of quality on time, every time.

On a day to day basis you might find yourself:

• balancing a cheque book
• entering information into complicated payroll software
• attending myriad planning meetings
• scouring an online recruitment website
• writing a business blog
• posting photos on your company’s Instagram page
• scheduling an interview with a prospective employee
• heading to the stationery shop to buy a ream of paper
• even plunging a toilet!

All of these tasks, while integral to your daily operations, are taking you away from the things that you do best – running your business and putting out an excellent product and providing fantastic service.

If any of this sounds familiar, you need to start thinking about outsourcing. After all, you wouldn’t hesitate to delegate tasks to your employees, would you? Outsourcing is just another form of delegation, and smart business people are experts at delegation.

Here are some of the tasks and responsibilities that you should consider outsourcing as soon as possible.

1. Social Media – Every savvy business person knows the importance of utilising social media in order to connect with their clientele, advertise their products and stay in touch with others in their industry. That said, social media expertise is in its infancy, and the average person is not capable of creating a comprehensive and effective social media strategy, let alone spending the heaps of time required for its implementation. Outsource your social media duties and you will not only see a huge boost in your success, you will save a lot of precious time.
2. Blogging – Related to social media, blogging is key if you want to increase your search engine rankings (i.e. appear higher on the results list when someone Googles search terms relevant to your company). Successful SEO (search engine optimisation) is much more than posting your thoughts and ideas; SEO blogging is a science, and a skilled writer will know how to help you achieve results you never dreamed of and increase your sales. You can find excellent business bloggers and article writers on sites such as People Per Hour.
3. Payroll – Payroll duties are another very sensible thing to be outsourcing – payroll software programs are notoriously finicky and complex, and you want to ensure your team is paid on time, accurately and without complication. Outsourcing your payroll duties will save you hours of time each week and give you the peace of mind that your employees are paid correctly. Another bonus? When tax time comes around, you can rest assured that your payroll paperwork is in order.
4. Bookkeeping – If you are like most entrepreneurs, you probably dread the myriad bookkeeping tasks that are required in order to run a successful business. Keeping track of paperwork, receipts, forms and more can be exhausting and irritating – and it can take you away from your core tasks. This is one that is definitely better outsourced – a bookkeeper can lift a huge weight off of your shoulders and keep you organised and on the right side of the law.
5. Recruitment – Depending on the position that you are seeking to fill, the recruitment process can be exhausting and time consuming – not to mention fraught with uncertainty and confusion. Hiring is an art, and a skilled recruiter will be able to help you land the employees of your dreams. While recruiters come with a sometimes hefty cost, they do often increase your chances of staff retention, saving you a lot more money in the long run.
6. Buying stationery, cleaning supplies and snacks – We now live in a world where you can buy nearly anything online, and loads of new companies are popping up whose entire business model involves helping individuals fulfill their simplest needs. Need snacks for the office? Head to Graze and get healthy snacks delivered. Cleaning supplies? No problem, you can have those delivered within one business day. The same goes for stationery, office furniture and pretty much anything else your heart – and your business – desires. Do not waste your time in queues or wandering aisles! Outsource this asap.
7. Odd jobs and repairs – Leaky tap in the office loo? Door squeaking unbearably whenever it swings open? Framed photos sitting woefully unhung? These small tasks and odd jobs add up, and finally getting around to them will take you away from your more important duties. Thankfully, the sharing economy is alive and well, and you can find skilled handymen online at TaskRabbit, Handy and from other similar apps.
8. IT Support – If you are struggling to set up and maintain functioning, consistently up to date hardware and software, consider outsourcing your IT support. Many different levels of support are available, and with various subscription plans you can have a third party IT company supply you with computers, printers and scanners. More importantly, they will be available 24/7 in order to answer urgent queries, fix problems and make sure that the technological side of your business is running smoothly at all times.
9. Delivery – If you are still attempting to hand deliver packages, important documents and products to your suppliers and clients, you urgently need to look into outsourcing delivery. Countless companies exist who will take the stress of time consuming deliveries off of your plate and ensure that your items get where they need to go on time.   

Ireland has won a highly competitive global bidding process to host the Startup Nations Summit (SNS) from 18th to 20th November 2016 in Cork. The event is now in its fifth year, and was launched by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), an organisation established in 160 countries that offers year-round programs and initiatives with the aim of creating one large, global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event has never before been held in Europe, marking a huge win for both Ireland and Europe as a whole. The event itself involves countries from all over the world, creating a network of startup community leaders, policymakers and advisors all committed to sharing their wealth of knowledge to help entrepreneurs both start and scale their enterprises.

The Startup Nations Summit, which has previously been held in prestigious business locations such as Kuala Lumpur and Toronto, will serve as a conclusion to Global Entrepreneurship Week 2016 (GEW), a celebration of entrepreneurship and enterprise with over 30,000 events and 10 million participants worldwide.

Last year, GEW 2015 was recognised by U.S President Barack Obama in a video broadcast when he issued a challenge to the private sector, foundations, investors and universities to help entrepreneurs start and scale new enterprises to drive innovation and economic growth. Pulling in support from other big names such as Richard Branson, and well-known brands like Evernote, Barclays and Microsoft, the conclusion to GEW 2016 in Cork is sure to be an excellent, inspiring and high-impact event for the millions of participants involved.

It will have a wide-reaching impact in Ireland as well, and GEN president, Jonathan Ortmans, had this to say on the matter: “Bringing the […] startup community leaders to Ireland will further advance a fast-moving global dialogue on the most impactful policies and programs […] while highlighting the rapid expansion of Ireland’s startup ecosystem.”

Startup Ireland and Cork Innovates, the two entrepreneurial groups spear-heading Ireland’s bid to win the right to host the Startup Nations Summit, are credited with achieving this historic win for Ireland. Eoin Costello of Startup Ireland, said “We are delighted that the first time this event is held in Europe, it will be in Ireland. In order to create the most supportive environment possible for entrepreneurs, it will be useful to not only learn about new and innovative policy approaches from other startup nations, but to apply those lessons throughout Ireland.”

Dublin is fast becoming a hub for growing entrepreneurs, and awarding the Startup Nations Summit to Ireland is part of a conscious effort by GEN to scale its work to support entrepreneurship in the country. Siobhan Finn of Cork Innovates will act as the project director and lead-planner for the event. She said “Cork is a prime European location for Startup Nations Summit in 2016. The vision of the local authorities, business support agencies and education institutions in the region have been working together for the last number of years […] to drive and nurture entrepreneurship and innovation in the Cork region.”

While full details have yet to be released, the SNS will follow familiar formats to previous years with both invite-only and free to the public events, running over the course of two days and involving networking dinners, cocktail receptions, entrepreneurship festivals, and awards ceremonies, amongst other activities and events. They have also involved keynote speakers sharing their knowledge on entrepreneurship, as well as business competitions with prize money of up to $100,000 in previous events. SNS 2015 brought in delegates from over 56 different countries, and, as this has been slowly increasing year on year, SNS 2016 will be looking to build on this success, bringing in at least 400 delegates from all over the world.

With the goal of making a Ireland a global startup hub by 2020, hosting the SNS 2016 will complement Ireland’s Startup Gathering (SG) 2016 event immeasurably. While the SG 2015 was about bringing a fresh entrepreneurial agenda to towns and cities throughout Ireland, SG 2016, with the fact that hundreds of entrepreneurs will be arriving from around the world for SNS 2016, will have a focus on sharing knowledge and experiences to discuss how best to accelerate Ireland’s bold plan to become a startup hub by 2020.

While exact details of the event haven’t yet been confirmed, this year is set to be a big year for both Ireland’s and Europe’s entrepreneurial enterprise scene. Stay tuned for more details; we’ll release them as soon as they’re available.