Firms enjoy record exports and stable job numbers

Irish export firms are celebrating record exports, which have returned to pre-recession levels, and a stabilising of employment levels.

Enterprise Ireland said employment has levelled in Irish exporting companies, which are using a renewed confidence to aggressively target opportunities in international markets.

The group’s end-of-year statement for 2011 revealed new export sales are expected to reach in excess of €1bn within weeks.

Frank Ryan, Enterprise Ireland chief executive, said companies that faced severe global economic conditions had emerged leaner, stronger and with a greater appetite for international growth than ever before.

“They have proved to be resilient and relentless in their pursuit of new market opportunities and they are to be commended on their success,” he said.

“Enterprise Ireland is determined to continue to support their job creation initiatives and identify and help secure overseas business in established and high-growth markets.”

Figures show employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies stood at 162,692 this year, including 141,228 full-time posts and 21,464 part-time.

Enterprise Ireland said new initiatives during the year included start funds for very early stage entrepreneurs, a €10m international fund for attracting entrepreneurs from overseas, and the opening of the group’s first office in South Africa.

It revealed 2011 also saw a record number of Irish companies being acquired by overseas multinationals, including Research in Motion (Blackberry) and IBM.

However, Mr Ryan warned 2012 will be a year of continuing challenges.

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton said creating an indigenous engine of economic growth is central to his plan for revitalising the economy.

“Enterprise Ireland, and the various supports it provides to domestic businesses, particularly in the exporting sector, will be key to this,” he said.

“In these very difficult times, to have kept employment steady in the companies it supports, with increases in certain categories, is a creditable performance.

“Although 2012 will be another difficult year, this government is determined to continually improve our supports to domestic job-creating businesses through improvements in access to finance and reductions in costs. With the right supports I hope that these businesses can build on this year’s performance and get more people back to work.”

Mr Bruton later announced that 528 jobs will be created over the next three years in 32 new high-potential start-up companies which have been supported by the Government through Enterprise Ireland.

He maintained the announcement builds on the 755 new jobs announced in the first half of the year.

“If we are to rebuild the economy and get jobs growing again, we must create an indigenous engine of growth,” he added.

“I have said before that while foreign direct investment must and will remain an important part of our economic strategy, indigenous businesses will be the key to achieving the levels of growth and employment that we need.”