Enterprise Ireland
Annual Report and Accounts 2007
Annual Report and Accounts 2007
Seventy high potential start-up companies (HPSUs), all supported by Enterprise Ireland during the year, were showcased at the prestigious Class of 2007 event.
The annual showcase, held in recognition of the vital contribution HPSUs make to the economy, introduced the companies to investors, senior business leaders and the media and acknowledged their entreprenuerial ambition, determination and innovation.
The event also celebrated the success of these innovative, export focused companies, which embody the best of Irish entrepreneurship and represent the future of economic growth in Ireland.
The 70 start-ups are expected to grow rapidly, generate significant sales and employment, and become engines of economic growth in Ireland as international players in their markets.
One of the exciting new companies in the Class of 2007 is Handy Baby Products, set up by entrepreneurs Suzanne Browne and Martina Delaney. The company specialises in designing innovative baby care products that make caring for infants and children easier, safer and healthier. It has 14 pieces of intellectual property (IP) registered in European and US markets and has ambitions to grow on the back of further pioneering products and an expanded IP database.
“Attending this event allowed us to showcase our company to the media, investors and other successful HPSUs,” says Martina Delaney. “It also enabled us to see what we have achieved when standing shoulder to shoulder beside some remarkable companies with remarkable products and services.
“It was an extremely proud moment for us when we realised that we were one of the few all female owned and managed companies among the 70 start-ups. It is events like this and the realisation of your achievement to date that drives you harder to achieve higher.”
Enterprise Ireland works with new entrepreneurs to ensure that innovative technologies and business ideas with export potential become a commercial reality, and has engaged with the majority of the Class of 2007 from the embryonic concept stage to their recognition as companies with high potential to succeed in international markets.
The fact that many of the new enterprises are based outside Dublin reflects Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to working alongside the City and County Enterprise Boards to create sustainable development in all regions in Ireland.
