The event formed part of the Irish Consulate General’s St. Patrick’s Week Tour.

Harbour Freight’s custom built 43,000 sq ft HQ in Trafford Park, Manchester, formally opened in March. With the ceremony performed by Irish Minister of State for Finance, Seán Fleming TD, who visited as part of his St. Patrick’s week visit to the North of England and Scotland. Minister Fleming, joined by Consul General Sarah Mangan and Vice Consul Carina O’Brian from the Irish Consulate General for the North of England, was given a tour of the new Harbour premises, where he welcomed their investment in Manchester as a boost to the continuing growth of Anglo-Irish trade.

After the tour where he met staff, and a reception in the new boardroom, Minister Fleming gave a speech to invited guests including representatives from the British and Irish Trade Alliance (BITA), Business Connect, Bunzl, Widdop Bingham, and Rayburn, plus Pall-Ex Group CEO Kevin Buchanan, which was followed by the formal opening of the premises.

Steve Swinburn, UK MD of Harbour said “Today marks the culmination of months of hard work from everyone at Harbour Freight, as well as the start of an exciting new phase as we grow our market share and bring new services to the market. I’m very proud of everyone that has worked to make this happen – and would like to extend our grateful thanks to the Minister and the Irish Consulate General, as well as Pall-Ex, BITA, and of course our customers for supporting us on our special day.”

Find out more about Harbour International Freight: harbourfreight.co.uk