Export growth - Encouraging figures

In the wake of recent signs that the economy is improving, the news from Enterprise Ireland that client companies saw the best export growth and net job creation last year in over a decade is most encouraging.

Not only did companies export goods and services worth a record €17.1bn, up 8% on the previous year, they also created 5,442 jobs in the biggest net increase seen in 10 years. Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency here responsible for supporting Irish businesses in the manufacturing and international services.

Its CEO, Julie Sinnamon, can take a bow for the strong performance of its client companies, including many trailblazers in the innovation and development of new products and services. The ultimate test of their success is to survive in the cut-throat export business.