Building momentum: from Combilift to global opportunity
IWIN’s Combilift event has sparked new collaborations, strengthened cross-border connections and opened pathways to international growth opportunities.
The recent IWIN event at Combilift marked a significant moment for the contract interiors industry across the island of Ireland. Bringing together companies from both North and South, the event delivered strong engagement on the day and continued traction across social media, helping shine a light on the scale, capability and ambition of the sector.
What stood out most was the level of interaction between businesses who, historically, may not have had the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way. The shared island approach resonated strongly, with a clear message emerging: collaboration is now a practical route to growth in an increasingly global market.
Attendees were quick to reflect on the impact of the day.
Eoin Ryan of Galtee Group commented, “This felt like a real step forward. The openness between companies and the willingness to explore how we can work together was clear from the outset.”
John Daly of Pembroke Alliance added, “There’s huge strength in this industry when you see it brought together in one room. Events like this help turn conversations into real opportunities.”
From an agency perspective, Deirdre Craven of Enterprise Ireland noted, “The level of engagement and ambition on display shows an industry ready to take the next step internationally. Collaboration across the island strengthens that position.”
Declan Grimes of Kells Windows highlighted the practical value of the day, saying, “The factory tour was a real standout. Seeing how a world-class operation like Combilift approaches manufacturing, efficiency and scale gives you plenty to take back into your own business.”
The event has already led to tangible follow-on activity. Momentum has carried into the recent Connected for Growth programme hosted at the Galtee Group, where structured meetings between Irish manufacturers and UK contractors deepened relationships and created clear commercial pathways.
Looking further ahead, the international focus continues to build. Through ongoing work with David Smith of TDSG World and Freya Hannah of Cieblink, Irish manufacturers are now being connected directly with US buyers and specifiers. These efforts are expected to culminate in a planned visit to IWF Atlanta, with the potential for a small group of IWIN members to exhibit and showcase their capabilities on an international stage.
What began as a cross-border collaboration event is now evolving into a broader export-focused journey. The direction is clear: by working more closely together, the industry can strengthen its position and compete more effectively on a global scale.
