UK / IRELAND TRADE & INVESTMENT
Ireland's prospects for economic recovery will be largely determined by its ability to continue developing trade and investment opportunities with its key export and inward invest ment markets - not least the UK. Britain is Ireland's biggest export market, while Ireland is Britain's 5th largest export market

• Commerce forges neighbourly bondsBlessed by cultural similarities and helped by change in Northern Ireland, trade and investment between Ireland and the UK has been quietly revolutionised in recent years
• Irish firms striking olympic goldConstruction contracts for the London Games have gone to many Irish firms, while others are tendering to supply services during the event
• Large UK market offers food for thoughtIrish food producers have some advantages cracking the UK grocery retail market, but some hurdles to overcome too
• Building blocks of a future recoveryOne of the benefits of the building boom has been that Irish construction firms have developed expertise and contacts that have helped them to expand into Britain, writes Barry O'Halloran
• Chamber opens up new doorsUntil February there was no formal business association linking Ireland with the UK, but that has all changed with the establishment of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce
• Commerce forges neighbourly bondsBlessed by cultural similarities and helped by change in Northern Ireland, trade and investment between Ireland and the UK has been quietly revolutionised in recent years
• From the music bize to investment whizzrish-born businessman John Conlan began with showbiz but went on to become a major investor
• Taking advantage of close linksBusiness between the UK and Ireland has become easier with lower costs and better logistics, but there are many ways that companies can increase their business opportunities abroad, writes Brian O'Connell
• Mining the cross border opportunityCross-Border trade is increasingly benefitting businesses both North and South, and the mutual economic rewards are having a big impact on Border communities, writes Francess McDonnell
• Power across the seaThe energy grids of Ireland and the UK are becoming increasingly interrelated, with long-term repercussions for industry here, writes Ronan McGreevy
• Future prospects for partnershipThe relationship between these two close neighbours involves more than just trade, and it is that factor that will ensure a mutually beneficial economic relationship in the years ahead, writes Joanne Hunt
• Network effects - Business focused agencies
• Company Focus: Nualight
• Company Focus: Glen Dimplex
• Diplomatic insistence
• For further information on forthcoming Special Reports, please contact John O'Hagan
  Tel: +353 (1) 893 0000
  E-mail: johagan@irishtimes.com