Start-ups to deliver 1,500 jobs over next three years

More than 100 start-up companies yesterday committed to taking on a combined 1,500 additional staff over the next three years.

The roles will be created across the country and help reach the previously announced target of doubling the number of jobs created by start-ups over a five-year period, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said yesterday.

As well as being geographically diverse, the burgeoning businesses operate across a range of sectors, including software, services, pharmaceutical, and medical devices.

The jobs will be created by high-potential start-ups, a term referring to companies capable of employing at least 10 people within three years and reaching a sales target of €1m.

A surge in female-led entrepreneurs gained support from the Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start Fund in 2014, with a record 43 business falling into this category.

Additionally, 81 early-stage businesses were supported by the fund while 12 new food and drink firms; 16 spin-out companies; and 14 start-ups established by overseas entrepreneurs also gained funding.

Enterprise Ireland high-potential start-up manager Kevin Sherry welcomed the announcement, adding that all the firms involved had the potential for rapid growth and to become significant exporters.

Meanwhile, a Government report has found that up to 15,500 extra skilled workers will be required in the freight transport and logistics sector in the coming five years. The expert group on future skills identified the sector as of strategic and operational importance for business across all sectors of the economy.

There is demand within the sector for more graduate level entrants as well as skilled warehouse staff as sophisticated management systems become more prevalent.

The biggest skills impediment anticipated is for HGV drivers with the required licence, the report found.

“There is a need for the development of structured career paths, especially for lower skilled workers,” said group chairwoman Una Halligan, adding that, to meet the increasing skills demand, “the poor image of the sector needs to improve”.