Grant Thornton is to hold two seminars in October on the US West Coast aimed at raising awareness among US-based tech and media firms of the advantages of locating in Ireland. Entitled ‘Ireland – Innovation Nation,’ they will involve IDA Ireland, as well as Neil Leyden, founder of the International Digital Services Centre.
The seminars take place in Los Angeles and Palo Alto, California, on 4-5 October respectively, and will explain the compelling business environment and tax advantages Ireland offers to media and technology companies.
“While Ireland already has some of the biggest names in software and social media operating here, there are a large number of smaller and early-stage technology and media companies – the emerging ‘micro-multinationals’- that could gain significant benefits from moving here, but may not be aware of the opportunity,” said Sinead Donovan, head of foreign direct investment (FDI) at Grant Thornton.
Dublin becoming a tech and media powerhouse
In the past year, Ireland has had stunning success in attracting major tech and media brand names, including Twitter, Zynga, Ancestry.com, Nuance and tech media giant IDG. Grant Thornton itself has brought 50 new jobs to Ireland.
Speakers at the seminars will include Peter Vale of Grant Thornton Ireland, who will speak about the tax advantages for US companies using Ireland as a global centre, and Philip Nolan of Mason Hayes & Curran, who will discuss legal issues impacting global organisations doing business in Europe, including IP and privacy concerns.
Leyden will discuss Ireland as a gateway for digital services companies wishing to access European markets from the US, and Rory Mullen, IDA West Coast US Lead, will talk about the role the IDA can play in helping companies make the move to Ireland.
The seminars are targeted at CFOs, heads of tax and senior management of companies who have an interest in doing business in Europe.
“With over 500m online users in Europe, Ireland is a gateway to new business opportunities for US companies,” Donovan added.
“Businesses with Irish operations can combine accessing these new markets with an attractive tax regime, a dynamic business environment, and a pool of highly educated staff,” she said.
Business abroad image via Shutterstock
