Following the success of the Invest Barbados Business and Investment Forum held in Belfast earlier this year, the first-ever Northern Ireland group has joined this week’s Invest Barbados UK Investment and Trade Mission to Barbados.

Their participation marks another milestone in strengthening ties between Barbados and Northern Ireland’s business community and reflects an appetite among companies here to explore opportunities in the Caribbean.

The Investment and Trade Misson follows on from last November, when NI business leaders Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Verbatim Communications, and Janet McKay, PR Consultant, who have strong ties to the Caribbean island, became the first Northern Ireland-based delegates to attend the fifth Invest Barbados Mission from the UK. Since then, their collaboration with Invest Barbados has helped open doors for NI companies across numerous sectors.

The Belfast Forum, held in April, accelerated engagement, with discussions now evolving into tangible trade and investment opportunities between Northern Ireland and Barbados.

The NI delegation, part of the wider UK mission, includes representatives from sectors such as body camera security technology, distillery, architecture and design, film and media, marine and leisure, public relations and strategic business development, among others.

They join more than 20 organisations from across the UK, all exploring opportunities for collaboration and expansion across Barbados’ key sectors.

Kaye-Anne Greenidge, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Barbados, the national investment promotion agency of Barbados, responsible for attracting, securing, and supporting sustainable investment that contributes to the island’s economic and social development, said:

“We are delighted to welcome all delegates and are especially pleased with the interest shown by the NI delegation to participate in the UK Investment and Trade Mission. The collaboration between Invest Barbados and NI business leaders, Gareth Robinson and Janet McKay, have been instrumental in building valuable relationships and expanding our outreach within Northern Ireland. The progress made in the past year reflects the genuine appetite for partnership and investment between our regions, and we look forward to deepening these connections as we explore exciting, viable commercial opportunities together.”

Gareth Robinson, Founder and Managing Director of Verbatim Communications, a Belfast-headquartered consultancy that specialises in strategic business development, public affairs, planning and crisis resolution, added:

“It’s inspiring to see how much momentum has built since our first visit last year. The level of interest from NI businesses has been fantastic; There is clearly an appetite to explore what Barbados and the wider Caribbean have to offer and this mission gives companies a direct route to discover, connect, and understand the breadth of opportunities available. It’s just the beginning of a very exciting journey.”

Throughout the mission, delegates will take part in an itinerary that features presentations, meetings, events, and networking sessions, with the Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment; Invest Barbados; the British High Commission; Export Barbados; the UK Department for Business and Trade; and the Caribbean Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.

Delegates will also explore commercial prospects with International Financial Institutions operating in the Caribbean, including the Caribbean Development Bank, Compete Caribbean, BIBA – The Association for Global Business, the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Regus.

Already, several significant deals and agreements are underway between NI and Barbados-based companies, in sectors including green energy, legal recruitment and film.

The advantages of doing business in Barbados include its ‘pro-business’ government, a highly skilled workforce and world-class infrastructure. Its strategic location in the Caribbean facilitates easy access to markets in Latin America and the United States. With no capital gains tax, competitive tax rates, and a favourable regulatory framework, Barbados also provides a secure and stable environment for businesses seeking to expand internationally. Companies can also benefit from a robust treaty network, with double tax agreements with 40 countries, including the UK and the USA.