Technical companies to create 1,500 jobs

MORE than 1,500 jobs will be created in new technology companies in the next three years despite the downturn in the economy, according to Enterprise Ireland.

In the past four years alone, almost 200 high potential companies set up in Ireland, generating employment for over 7,600 people.

The prospects here remain positive, despite global turbulence, Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive, Dan Flinter said.

In the last year alone Enterprise Ireland supported the establishment of 51 such enterprises involving a total investment of €70 million.

"This number of start-ups during a time of difficult global markets is clear evidence of a strong level of serious entrepreneurial activity. In the first quarter of this year, 14 start-ups with a total investment of 6 million are being supported by Enterprise Ireland.

"These companies have emerged from a number of backgrounds but all have one thing in common - the drive and ambition to grow their businesses in international markets," Mr Flinter said.

Mr Flinter was speaking at the Waterford Institute of Technology Conference "Growing Your Own Creating an Environment for Entrepreneurs" held in Clonmel.

However, Mr Flinter warned we need to ensure we have the skilled graduates to ensure our competitive advantage remains a draw into the future.

"It is simply not enough for a business to have the best product, service or solution in the world if senior management in that business does not have the capability to convince potential buyers.

"Combining educational resources and skills development in international sales and marketing with engineering, science and technology disciplines is a prerequisite for the development of a new cadre of entrepreneurial managers," he said.

"An ever increasing number of existing senior managers in new technology companies are endeavouring to improve their sales and international marketing skills.

"This is particularly the case in sectors such as software, photonics, medical devices and functional foods.

"The CEO's and managers of companies in these sectors are highly qualified graduates in their particular disciplines but need to develop critical skills In the current global economic climate the ability to close the sale is paramount for all Irish companies trading internationally," he added.