Claire Shoesmith
If speed dating can get you a boyfriend or girlfriend in five minutes, then why shouldn't businesses be able to win a contract in 15 minutes?
This logic led the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with InterTradeIreland and Northern Ireland's Chamber of Commerce, to hold what could be described as a speed dating session for businesses yesterday.
Fifty representatives from small businesses, ranging from sack makers to printers and training specialists, were given 15 minutes each to tell the directors of An Post why they should be awarded a contract with the State's postal operator.
"It's a great idea because you get direct access to the right people," said Christine Watson, marketing manager of management solutions provider Quadra, as she waited for her chance to impress.
She has attended about half a dozen of these so-called "Network and Getwork" events and says she's made some "excellent contacts" through them.
"How many times have you phoned a company only to be fobbed off by the gatekeeper?" she said. "This avoids all that. It's a great idea."
Yesterday's event, at Dublin's Westbury Hotel, was the first of six to be held across the country this year. Each will feature a different company and Esat BT, Eircom and AIB are lined up to participate. The small businesses are selected specifically by the chambers of commerce and invited to attend because of the services they provide.
For An Post, which employs 10,000 people and spends €100 million a year on goods and services, such events are "an opportunity to see what's out there," said head of procurement, Harry Kettle.
He declined to say how many contracts he hoped would develop from the event, but, having participated in similar events before, said he expects it to generate business.
Six "Network and Getwork" gatherings held last year generated more than £1 million (€1.45 million) of business, according to Eamonn Cavlan, trade development manager for Northern Ireland's Chamber of Commerce.
"It's about introductions. It gives small businesses contact with organisations they might not usually gain access to," he said.
