One of Ireland's most inspirational business leaders, Bill Cullen, boss of The Apprentice, will be the key speaker at InterTradeIreland's free 'Time for Business' roadshow in Waterford on May 21 in The Tower Hotel. Bill, who was raised in a Dublin slum but went on to become one of Ireland's most respected entrepreneurs, will be revealing the secrets of his success with local business people.

"Times are tough for Waterford businesses, but Inter- TradeIreland is here to help and we are thrilled to have Bill on board," said Chief Executive Liam Nellis. "Bill has promised to share his know-how and show Waterford businesses how they can go from good to great during challenging economic conditions."

Mr Nellis said InterTradeIreland, an all-island trade and business development body, had already invested spent €1.2m in 22 local companies helping them to create €7.8m worth of trade and business development opportunities. Across the island, the organisation has helped 1,400 companies to generate over €200m of trade and business development opportunities, with the possibility of an additional €216m from ongoing projects.

At the roadshow, businesses will be able to get 1-2-1 advice on sales, innovation and finance from Inter- TradeIreland and its partners including Enterprise Ireland, City and County Enterprise Boards, local Chambers of Commerce, IBEC, ISME, South East BIC, local councils and Bank of Ireland.

"Ireland is facing the most difficult economic conditions in 70 years and the challenge for clear thinking and resolute business action has never been greater," added Mr Nellis. "InterTradeIreland has an important role to play in economic recovery and taking advantage of South to North trade, which topped €1.8bn in 2007. "By taking our unique, island-wide programme of support right to the doorstep of local businesses, we can help them get investor-ready, develop and improve their products and processes through cross-border collaboration and identify new customers."

Also speaking at 'Time for Business', which takes place from 8.30am until 11.30am at the Tower Hotel, is Patsy Carney, who has over 20 years' experience in the pharmaceutical sector and is co-founder and managing director of EirGen Pharma Ltd, Waterford. EirGen specialises in the development and commercial supply of highly potent pharmaceutical products, and has a customer base which covers US, Canada, the EU, Japan and Latin America.

Businesses wanting to attend the Waterford event can register at www.intertradeireland.com or call 048 9023 5001.