OUTLOOK FOR START-UPS STRONG, SAYS ENTERPRISE IRELAND - Today sees an event in Dublin to showcase Enterprise Ireland's high-potential start-up companies at 'Start-Up Class of 2010'.
These are the companies that are set to grow, create jobs and contribute to export- led growth and recovery of the economy.
Greg Treston, manager at Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up division, said the environment for start-ups was strong at the moment, and there were 80 companies at today's event - up from 73 last year.
He said today's companies were very different from those of 10 years ago, with firms raising relatively small amounts of money but spending it much more wisely. He said there was 'much more realism' among today's companies.
Mr Treston said there had been a big increase in new medical devices and clean technology companies, and there was particularly strong growth from university spin-off companies.
He said Irish firms were well-regarded abroad for their technology, and the current financial situation in the country had not really affected Irish companies' reputation.
Mr Treston also said there was money available for investment, and that new Irish firms were also finding it less difficult to access seed funding than start-ups in other countries.
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NEWS AND CURRENCIES - The total number of booked passengers at Aer Lingus in May this year was 4% higher than in May 2010 at 911,000.
On the currency markets, the euro is trading at $1.4670 and 89.34p sterling.
