The impact of Brexit on the economy and business environment in Northern Ireland

Speakers:

Donough Foley, Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, Moody’s Investors Service, Asia Pacific
Mark McFarland, Consulting Economist
Rohin Chada, Investor
Sarah Powell, Partner, Powell Tempest Wealth Management
Moderator: Finbarr Bermingham, Production Editor, Political Economy, South China Morning Post

The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Northern Irish Connections and the Irish Chamber of Commerce invite you to a lively debate on Brexit and its impact on the geographically small but economically substantial region of Northern Ireland. 

Our distinguished speakers will attempt to answer questions on a range of related issues, including: 

- What are the economic implications for Northern Ireland?
- Should you buy or sell sterling and the euro? 
- How will Brexit’s challenges impact business and investment prospects in Northern Ireland?
- How will the contentious “backstop” affect laws in the region and further afield?
- How do investors view the current start-up climate in Northern Ireland?

The speakers will also anticipate the outcome of a 'no deal' Brexit. The north has benefitted hugely from the Good Friday Agreement and a recent upsurge in foreign investment because of its relatively cheap and well educated labour force. What would the re-appearance of a border mean for Ireland, North and South? 

The panellists will also discuss what start-ups are experiencing right now, both pressures and opportunities, as well as an anecdotal view on what is happening with company expansions and contractions in NI. The speakers will also comment on investment opportunities - which sectors in the start-up world are interesting now. 

Join us for ideas on how to Brexit-proof your existing interests and how you might even take advantage of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

About the panelists

Donough Foley is a Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs for Moody’s Investors Service in Asia Pacific. Donough has worked in Asia for the last 20 years. Prior to joining Moody’s, he was Head of Government & Regulatory Affairs for Qantas Airways. He has also worked as a Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs for Philips Electronics, and as a Vice President of Corporate Communications/Public Affairs & Branding at Lucent Technologies. Donough was also part of the team that helped build Burson-Marsteller’s business in China. Donough holds a BA in Economics and Politics from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Mark McFarland is a consultant economist with a 25-year career in banking in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Prior to consulting, his most recent roles were leading global economics research at Coutts/UBP and tactical asset allocation at Emirates NBD Wealth Management. 
Mark holds an MSc Economics from the University of Warwick and a BSc Economics from Queen Mary, University of London. He is a regular commentator on the global economy at investment conferences and in the financial media. He is a native of County Antrim and also a long-term resident of Hong Kong.

Rohin Chada has extensive experience in public markets with over 15 years investing across multiple sectors and geographies.  He was most recently a Partner at Turiya Capital Management, a global long-short equity hedge fund based in Hong Kong.  At its peak, Turiya managed US$3.5bn.  Since leaving Turiya, Rohin has been looking at angel investments opportunistically in UK, Ireland and HK.  This includes looking at investments in Northern Ireland where he was born and schooled.  Rohin received his BA in Mathematical Sciences at Balliol College, University of Oxford, and has also obtained the CFA charter.

Sarah Powell is the Partner of Powell Tempest Wealth Management. Having worked successfully in banking since 1999, Sarah's passion for travel persuaded her to leave her native Northern Ireland and emigrate to Hong Kong in 2008.
Working with people has always been one of Sarah's strengths. Sarah is delighted to work with St. James’s Place Wealth Management and the Practice she runs enables her to develop a strong client focus and offer high quality advice to her clients backed by the advice guarantee of a FTSE 100 company.

Sarah takes great pride in making a positive impact on her clients and her approachable style allows her to work together well with clients and plan for financial success.
Living in Hong Kong has been inspiring and has allowed her to develop her love of sailing and yacht racing. Understanding that life is not always plain sailing, Financial Planning is a unique course for each of her clients.

About the moderator

Finbarr Bermingham is the Production Editor, Political Economy at the South China Morning Post. At the SCMP, Finbarr reports on and manages the newspaper and website's coverage of international trade, including trade policy, trade wars and trade deals. 
He has spent almost a decade as a trade reporter, first in London with Global Trade Review and the International Business Times, with the past five years spent covering trade issues related to Asia, from Hong Kong.

This event is hosted by Andrew Seaton. 

Ticket includes a full hot English breakfast buffet.

Please note that Business Attire is required by the Hong Kong Club - collared shirts must be worn by men, and jeans, sandals and sports shoes are not permitted. To see the full list of club rules on dresscode, please click here.

Pricing

• Member: HK$ 400
• Non-Member: HK$ 520
• Y-Network Member: HK$ 300
• Start-up Member: HK$ 300

Co-host with:

Terms & Conditions

• Reservations in advance are required. Please consider your booking confirmed unless notified otherwise.
• Business Attire is required by the Hong Kong Club. No jeans or sports shoes.
• Cancellations must be made in writing 24 hours prior to the event. No shows will be charged.
• This event is closed to the media.
• The event will be cancelled if the No.8 Typhoon signal or the Black Rain Storm warning is in force.
• By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to use your likeness in promotional and/or marketing materials.
• For further information please email [email protected]
• Please make cheques payable to: "The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong" & send it to Room 1201 Emperor Group Centre, 288 Hennessy Road, Hong Kong