Sentel success story:

SENTEL DOES IT THE NETWORK AND GETWORK WAY

Sentel Independent Ltd is an internationally renowned telecoms management software service provider and online call management specialist based in Carryduff. The company has participated in InterTradeIreland’s Network and Getwork series since 2003 and is one of the stars of the programme.  Sentel has secured several contracts with both public bodies and private entities including a European wide deal with computer manufacturer DELL in 2005.

The Network and Getwork programme, which is jointly delivered on behalf of InterTradeIreland by the Northern Ireland and Dublin Chambers, gives small businesses North and South the opportunity to win contracts with some of the island’s biggest procurement organisations and has already assisted 900 small companies generate more than £1.6m of new business.

The new format of Network and Getwork allows local companies to stipulate their desired targets in the Republic of Ireland and the Chamber of Commerce proactively assists in identifying key contacts and setting up business development meetings.

Sentel has already seen the benefits of participating in the new programme. Sentel’s Managing Director Ger Connery says:

“The programme has always been of benefit to our company allowing us to walk through doors opened by the NI Chamber.  Without their help it is doubtful we would have got to talk to so many high profile businesses throughout Ireland in the meet the buyer events. We have found that the new format of being proactive with Chamber has delivered more immediate results and we actually hope to close three new deals in the very near future.”

HOW DID SENTEL SECURE THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS?

In November 2008 Sentel met with Eamonn Cavlan (network facilitator at the NICC) to identify potential targets in the ROI market place and to discuss a strategy of getting to speak to the right people. Since then NICC proactively sourced the contacts and contacted the desired buying organisations. Sentel followed up with phone calls to secure five business development meetings in the greater Dublin area.

“There is no doubt that through working with the Chamber in this programme we have found it easier to get meeting with our targets in ROI, we look forward to the rest of the programme and to winning more business through the Network and Getwork programme”, Mr Connery added.

Launching the new 2009 Network + Getwork programme, Liam Nellis, InterTradeIreland’s chief executive, said: “We will be giving SMEs the chance to attend networking events where they can meet face-to-face with decision-makers from large, often global – organisations.

“This is a unique and invaluable opportunity, one which will open doors for small companies hoping to expand their business throughout the island of Ireland, while at the same time enabling them to build beneficial business relationships with other companies in their sector.”

If you are involved in the food or Tourism industry and are interested in the Network and Getwork programme then we would be particularly interested in hearing from you at this time. You can contact Eamonn Cavlan on 02890 244 113 or email eamonn.cavlan@northernirelandchamber.com