Background
Sandyford Business District (SBD) is a not-for-profit organisation representing the interests of businesses across Stillorgan Business Park, Sandyford Business Park, Central Park and South County Business Park. Home to almost 1,000 businesses, more than 26,000 employees and over 6,000 residents. The district is a diverse business community that includes global companies such as Microsoft, Mastercard, Avant Money, BNP Paribas, alongside a thriving network of local businesses, including AIB, Beacon Hospital, Jacobs and Cubic3. Our work is focused on creating a vibrant, connected and sustainable district where businesses can grow, employees can thrive, and people want to work, visit and invest. We also invest in placemaking, environmental improvements and initiatives that enhance the experience of working and spending time in the district. From landscaping, biodiversity and public art to events, networking and community initiatives, our aim is to create a vibrant and welcoming destination. Our work spans a wide range of areas; all focused on strengthening the district and supporting the businesses that operate here. We advocate on behalf of businesses on issues such as transport, infrastructure, public realm, planning and business costs, ensuring that the voice of Sandyford Business District is heard by local and national decision-makers. Our programmes also support business growth and engagement. Through events, campaigns, communications, partnerships and initiatives such as Spend in Sandyford, we connect businesses with each other and promote the many reasons to work, live, shop, eat and do business in the district. Working in Partnership Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with our business community and local stakeholders, including Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to ensure that the needs and priorities of businesses are represented and that we can deliver meaningful projects for the district.
We have also developed strategic partnerships with leading education and business organisations through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with IADT, NovaUCD and the Irish Management Institute (IMI). These partnerships help strengthen links between business, education, innovation and talent. At national level, we engage with Government Departments, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and political representatives, advocating for investment, infrastructure and policies that support the continued growth and competitiveness of the district. Our international partnerships and networks also play an important role in sharing knowledge, developing new opportunities and positioning Sandyford Business District within the wider European innovation ecosystem. These include Casablanca Finance City, Silvota Industrial Area in Spain, Circular PSP, IB-Green, Smart Cities and the URBACT network. SBD is also a co-founder of the European Association of Business Innovation Districts (EABID), strengthening connections with Business Innovation Districts across Europe and providing opportunities to share knowledge and best practice.. Through these partnerships, we can share expertise, develop innovative projects, attract investment and ensure the district continues to learn from and contribute to best practice internationally.