Who are we?
The Irish Hungarian Business Circle (IHBC) is a not-for-profit, member-based, politically independent organisation established in 2005 to facilitate and develop business and social networks between Ireland and Hungary and within the Irish/Hungarian community as a whole.
What do we do?
We are a contact point for Irish businesses interested in setting up in Hungary and for Hungarian business wishing to set up in Ireland.But it’s not just about business. Our aim is to link all Irish people living in Hungary and all Irish companies operating in Hungary. An additional focus is on community involvement – bridging the divide between expats and locals. We live here; we work here; and we want to contribute to the community. The IHBC is an ideal platform for both cultures to mix and learn from each other.
Where do we operate?
Although based in Budapest, we are open to facilitating business and interaction countrywide. We welcome enquiries from Ireland and greater Hungary.
When do we meet?
We have two major annual events: the St Patrick’s Day Gala Dinner in March and the Day at the Races to coincide with the Hungarian Derby in July. On the first Friday of each month, we have a pub meeting where members can get together and catch up with what’s going on. It’s also a good opportunity for new members to join up. We also arrange enjoyable information sessions. We theme them “Fire Side Chats” or “In Conversation with …”. We are always looking for people who would like to present to our members and bigger audiences as well. If you are interested please contact us.
Why should you join us?
Which comes first: the chicken or the egg? We have great ambitions. We want to create hub for the Irish in Hungary and for Hungarians who are in any way involved with Ireland or the Irish. We can’t realise this ambition without members…without you. If you’re reading this, something has obviously piqued your interest. Whether you’re a CEO of a multinational, the owner of a small KFT, a freelance working on your own, a student here for the duration or a visitor on an extended holiday, you matter. You matter to us. One membership, one voice.
Membership categories
Our focus
Business
We have clear business goals. We share the same business objectives as Enterprise Ireland.
We aim to help Irish companies succeed by
• Achieving export sales
• Investing in research and innovation
• Competing through productivity
• Starting up and scaling up
• Driving regional enterprise
We aim to help Hungarian companies succeed in Ireland by:
• Building links with Chambers of Commerce
• Introducing other Irish members
• Providing networking opportunities
Corporate social opportunity
Living and working in a new country can be daunting. Once you settle in though, you look for opportunities to contribute to the community in which you live. You want to be part of it. You want to work with it. You want to make a difference. Whether you’re a large multinational or a lone student, that feeling is the same. The IHBC recognises that need and is working towards providing opportunities for all our members, no matter what their resources, to contribute in a sustainable and substantial way to their community. Some of what we do includes:
1. Local charity activities: Once a year we adopt a local charity – someone/someplace in need of help. Using our collective brains and brawn, our skills and experience, we can, and we do, and we will continue to make a difference.
2. Fundraising: All too often fundraising in Hungary is restricted to big-ticket plate dinners. On the one hand, this is great. Those who can afford to contribute generate a lot of money (our members included). There are those though who fundraise on a smaller scale, with smaller, though no less worthier, ambitions. The IHBC aims to support each member in their endeavours to fundraise. If you are looking for a cause, talk to us. We can suggest local worthwhile causes that can create that corporate social opportunity!
A plea from the heart
Cue music: ‘If you’re Irish, come into the parlour, there’s a welcome there for you….’
Bottom line is: we’re in Hungary, having moved here from Ireland. Or we’re in Hungary on our way to setting up in Ireland. The connection is real. In his 1957 book The Bridge at Andau, James Michener described Hungarians as the Irish of Eastern Europe. At time of writing, there are about 300 of Irish living in Hungary – enough to make a difference. And we have no centre, no club, no common meeting ground. The IHBC aims to fill that gap, from three perspectives: business, social, and cultural. As a member-based organisation, where each member has equal say, we need you to make this happen.
Join us.
