Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the remarkable success story of one of its members, Citrus Facilities Management, which has expanded into Ireland following connections forged through a Chamber-led international partnership.
The opportunity began earlier this year during Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week, when Hampshire Chamber welcomed representatives from the Drogheda & District Chamber of Commerce in Ireland to explore potential collaboration and future “twinning” opportunities between the two organisations.
Among those attending was Hubert Murphy, President of Drogheda & District Chamber, who met Dan O’Brien, Managing Director of Citrus Facilities Management, a Hampshire Chamber member. What began as an informal exchange of business cards has since grown into an inspiring example of cross-border partnership and enterprise.
A few months later, Citrus Facilities received an enquiry from a major client requesting facilities management support in Dublin. Seizing the opportunity, Dan O’brien reached out to Hubert Murphy for advice on navigating the Irish market. Within 48 hours, Dan and his colleague Liam were on a plane to Dublin, where the Drogheda Chamber team provided introductions to local lawyers, HR specialists, accountants, council representatives, and business leaders.
Thanks to this support, Citrus Facilities (Ireland) was established within days as a fully registered Irish subsidiary. The new operation already employs six local staff members, providing cleaning services to restaurants in the Dublin area.
Dan O’brien said:
“What started as a quick chat during a Hampshire Chamber event turned into an incredible journey. The openness and support from Drogheda Chamber and the local business community were second to none. It’s a powerful reminder that a single conversation can change everything.”
Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive Ross McNally commented:
“This story captures what the Chamber network is all about — connecting people, building relationships, and opening doors to new markets. We’re proud to see our international links deliver such tangible results for a Hampshire business.”
For Citrus Facilities, the message is clear: never underestimate the power of connection — even the smallest conversation can take your business global.
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.