Opening doors for irish businesses
By Beverley Ferrara, European Representative
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) Sustainable Water Connect event. I was joined there by colleagues from Invest NI, Uisce Eireann (formerly Irish Water) and British Water.
Our goal? To demystify expansion into new markets and highlight resources available to help companies take advantage of opportunities in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and the United States.
The Opportunity and Challenge of the U.S. Market
The US presents an attractive opportunity for the water sector, with billions earmarked for infrastructure improvements under recent legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Among other things, these funds aim to modernize water systems, replace lead pipes, mitigate climate challenges and address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
Consequently, the U.S. market holds significant potential for Northern Ireland’s water sector, which is respected internationally for engineering excellence and low-carbon innovations.
However, accessing these opportunities presents unique challenges. The water sector in the U.S. is highly fragmented, with over 50,000 utilities operating under different regulations across states. Additionally, it’s highly competitive and risk-averse, making it challenging for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) to establish themselves.
Why Partnerships Matter
For companies exploring this path, support from organizations like Invest NI, British Water and The Water Council can make a meaningful difference. All these groups provide vital connections, insights and resources:
- Invest NI: For Northern Ireland companies, Invest NI offers a comprehensive range of support packages. Invest NI helps businesses, whether first-time exporters or looking to expand further, build the skills and strategies needed to succeed in international markets.
- British Water: Through its International Forum, British Water connects its members with global leaders in the water and wastewater sectors. Members gain access to international business mentors, market briefings and business development meetings with key buyers. British Water also offers Knowledge Information Transfer (KIT) Briefings and Tech Showcases to support members in exploring new markets.
- The Water Council: As the leading global water tech hub in the U.S., The Water Council provides clear pathways for international companies entering the American market. Our offerings include a suite of innovation programs, a special Overseas Membership and “soft landing” at the Global Water Center, which offers a low-cost, low-risk entry into the US. Companies such as Danish firm APX-10 and Irish startup GKinetic Energy have successfully utilized The Water Council’s resources and programs to build their US presence.
Looking Ahead: Embracing Opportunities
There are a lot of great opportunities for growth outside of Ireland, and while the journey can be complex, it’s more achievable with a strong support network. Invest NI, British Water and The Water Council are here to help you take the first steps, bridge gaps, accelerate new connections and turn opportunities into reality.
