Mark O'Connell on Fostering International Growth for Celtic Companies

We’re excited to highlight some of the key speakers for the upcoming Interceltic Business Forum, including Mark O'Connell, Chairman of OCO Global. Mark has been a steadfast supporter of the forum, attending multiple times and championing its mission. OCO Global, a renowned trade and investment advisory firm with experts across the globe, is the main sponsor of the upcoming Interceltic Scaling Awards.

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These awards celebrate the blend of cultural heritage and entrepreneurial excellence by recognizing and supporting businesses that are scaling internationally. The Interceltic Scaling Awards are designed to leverage the natural linkages across the Celtic nations—such as shared maritime geography and emerging sectors like renewable energy, marine technology, and agri-food. These regions, historically on the periphery of major centers of power, share unique cultural and linguistic ties that can be transformed into robust business connections.

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Join us as we delve into Mark's strategies for enhancing international business connections and explore how the Interceltic Business Forum is fostering a new era of Celtic entrepreneurship.

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What is OCO Global?

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OCO Global is a trade and investment advisory firm that supports businesses on their international journey. We work with companies and government agencies to help them navigate and succeed in international expansion efforts. We have 150 staff in 10 locations around the world.

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How does OCO Global assist scaling companies to succeed internationally?

We provide market and sector insights to help companies identify the best opportunities abroad. We prepare them though business planning and capacity development and help them navigate the most attractive market development strategies using our experienced and well networked teams on the ground.      

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How did the idea of the Interceltic Scaling Awards come about?

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Charles Kergaravat invited me to the Interceltic Business Forum in 2023 and over a breton beer in Larmor Plage we conceived the idea of using the Interceltic Business Forum platform to create the scaling awards. Events like SXSW in the US and Web Summit in Portugal combine culture and creative programmes with business highly effectively, and Interceltic Business Forum lends itself perfectly to this approach.

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What are some of the positive outcomes you've seen from attending the Interceltic Business Forum?

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It’s the fraternity of founders from other Celtic nations with common aspirations and challenges, networking and exchanging ideas and business opportunities that make it so attractive. Not to mention the packed cultural programme in a wonderful and unspoiled part of France.

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How can entrepreneurs maximize their attendance?

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Like every effective business trip, planning is key to success. It is important to research the other participants and ideally reach out ahead of the event to engage and make best use of the time on the ground. The profile and PR associated with the Awards and events will also be very positive for the companies who attend, and the regional sponsors will be keen to invite them to explore business opportunities in their location.

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As we look forward to the Interceltic Business Forum, the insights and opportunities shared by speakers like Mark are invaluable for driving economic growth and collaboration among the Celtic nations.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this dynamic event. Join us on August 12th in Lorient to network, learn, and help shape the future of our interconnected economies.

‍Sign up now and be a part of this exciting journey!

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