Enterprise Ireland
Annual Report and Accounts 2004
Annual Report and Accounts 2004
In addition to directly funding business, venture capital partners and enterprise space, Enterprise Ireland also works with over 200 local industry bodies such as Community Development Associations, County Enterprise Boards, County Development Boards, Business Innovation Centres, networking associations and other regional organisations.
For example, in 2004 a new working relationship with the Business Innovation Centres and Enterprise Ireland was established with the aim of creating improved services to clients of both organisations. The agreed areas of enhanced co-operation include: working together to identify, encourage and support innovative start-up companies; the development and management of incubation space to assist fledgling businesses; working with the third level sector to provide support to campus companies; and working together on programmes designed to encourage entrepreneurship.
Enterprise Ireland continues to support, create and encourage networking activity throughout the country. We also continue to work with industry groups to further economic development on a regional basis. One example is The Atlantic Technology Corridor, an industry-led alliance of the technology community on Ireland’s western seaboard. This was established to encourage the growth and development of the already significant cluster of information communications and technology companies and medical technology companies in the area.
An important element of Enterprise Ireland’s networking activity is its support of clusters among both indigenous and overseas companies – bringing together companies selling to the same buyers to collaborate on areas of mutual interest. Clustering will help build the synergies of businesses working in the same sector and encourage activities that will benefit them as a group. Clusters have emerged in many sectors such as the education, environmental, e-Learning and automotive sectors.
Medical devices: Currently three of the top four companies in the world involved in cardiovascular minimal invasive techniques form the core group of a medical device cluster based in Galway. In addition, these companies are complemented by a growing group of dynamic indigenous companies. R&D is an essential element in the development of such companies and going forward, effective networking between the indigenous, multinational and third level sectors will play a key role in the growth of the industry.
Clustering in the construction industry: Enterprise Ireland commissioned research into the changing UK construction market to highlight opportunities for construction product manufacturers in the off-site construction sector. The report was commissioned on behalf of the Off-site Construction Cluster and is being used to assist clients to develop distribution channels into the UK market. Enterprise Ireland also continues to work with another cluster of four construction companies to jointly develop the brand ‘Irish Blue Limestone’ to target the UK and Benelux regions.
Pharmaceutical cluster: The Pharma Information & Instrumentation (PII) Business Network was established by Enterprise Ireland. This group is made up of a group of indigenous SMEs, providing high technology instrumentation and information technology to the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. Its primary focus is the development of new business opportunities and the adoption of a collaborative approach to R&D, marketing, management development practices and international sales. In addition, the network is working closely with Enterprise Ireland to put an export strategy in place.
| Region | Total No | Gains | Losses | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin/Mid-East | 62,311 | 5,226 | -7,299 | -2,073 |
| Midlands | 8,561 | 1,317 | -617 | +700 |
| North-East | 13,096 | 1,267 | -1,181 | +86 |
| North-West | 5,555 | 364 | -595 | -231 |
| South-East | 18,064 | 1,145 | -1,414 | -269 |
| South-West South-West includes overseas natural resources companies in the Mid-West. |
23,156 | 1,222 | -1,114 | +108 |
| West | 11,372 | 1,357 | -995 | +362 |
| Total | 142,115 | 11,898 | -13,215 | -1,317 |