Ambitious approach to exposing Irish firms to new markets is working – English

Enterprise Ireland’s ambitious and determined approach to exposing Irish firms to new export markets is working, according to Fine Gael Meath West TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Damien English. Deputy English was responding to the Enterprise Ireland (EI) Annual Report for 2013, which shows that its client companies achieved a record €17.1 billion in export sales last year and the largest net increase in employment in a decade.

“Enterprise Ireland opened a number of new offices across the globe last year, and brought over 1,100 international buyers to Ireland to meet with domestic firms. This was all aimed at increasing our level of exports, and the approach is clearly working.

“Not only did exports from EI firms hit a record €17.1 billion last year, the companies also recorded the biggest net increase in employment in a decade. As a small island economy, it is essential that Irish companies maximise their potential to export overseas. This boosts revenues and leads to job creation here at home.

“These results show the increasingly important role entrepreneurs are playing in our economic recovery. We already know that two thirds of all new jobs are being created by start-ups, and it’s clear that this trend is continuing. EI supported 104 new high-potential start-up companies last year.

“Irish exporting firms are increasingly investing in research and innovation, which in many cases is vital for expansion. Almost 840 companies were involved in R&D projects of above €100,000 and the number of senior executives taking part in EI’s leadership and management programmes hit close to 1,100.

“EI supported firms are essential element to our economic recovery. They employ and sustain over 300,000 jobs and are contributing more than €20 billion to the Irish economy. Through the Action Plan for Jobs, Minister Richard Bruton has been driving changes to help further boost our level of entrepreneurship, support for start-ups and encourage exporting.

“Current trends suggest the number of entrepreneurs will continue to increase, so it is vital we continue to provide supports, advice and expertise to help them succeed and create jobs.”