Dublin, IDA Ireland welcomed a report by The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and Forfas showing significant improvements in the cost of doing business in Ireland. The report analyses Ireland’s relative cost competitiveness performance in the areas of labour, property, utilities, and business services and also looks at the broader cost environment that directly impacts on the cost of doing business here.

The report entitled,  ‘The Cost of doing Business in Ireland 2010’ shows Ireland’s cost competitiveness has improved considerably for a range of business inputs such as energy, property and a number of key business services.

Welcoming the Report, Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA said, ‘Competitiveness is a key influencing factor when foreign multinational companies are choosing a location for their international operations. This report is further evidence that the cost of doing business in Ireland is falling, which in turn is helping to win new Foreign Direct Investment for Ireland and grow exports.

‘IDA along with Government and all stakeholders involved in securing FDI for Ireland must retain a focus on maintaining competitiveness and work closely to ensure our competitive position internationally continues to improve as the economy returns to growth.’

The full report can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.competitiveness.ie/media/NCC100722-costs_of_doing_business_in_ireland_2010.pdf

IDA Press Release 21.07.10

Covidien also announced today that it will be putting an initial €1.8 million investment into a medical technologies research and development project which will involve three Irish academic institutions.  Full details of the project will be announced later in the year.

The opening of the centre was performed today by the Taoiseach/Prime Minister of Ireland Mr. Brian Cowen who was accompanied by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Mr. Batt O’Keeffe, and Richard J. Meelia, Chairman, President and CEO of Covidien.

At the opening today, the Taoiseach said, “This new European Services Centre and today’s announcement of new investment in collaborative research and development is very much in keeping with the Government’s policy to build a Smart Economy and to position Ireland as a global innovation hub.”

In his remarks, Mr. Meelia highlighted the benefits of centralising the European functions into Ireland. “Covidien has manufactured in Ireland for more than 30 years,” he said. “Ireland is, in fact, where we have the greatest number of employees in all of Europe. Our excellent experience here, coupled with the Government’s long-standing policies supporting business and innovation, clearly makes Ireland an ideal base for our Company.”

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD, said, “Covidien is one of the leading medical device firms based in Ireland. The new European Services Centre reaffirms Covidien’s commitment to Ireland and demonstrates to the global investor community that we have the right mix of skills, workforce flexibility and pro-business policies to support business expansion plans and create jobs. I look forward to Covidien’s planned medical technologies research and development investment which will recognize our reputation as Europe’s emerging innovation hub.”

Prior to the investment in Cherrywood, each country operation of Covidien in Europe was responding to customer questions, product orders, inquiries and returns separately and independently.  Now, the activity is centralized in the Cherrywood center, which is directly responsible for 16 countries and supports 58 countries indirectly. The employees in Cherrywood handle 6,500 contacts daily with over 50,000 products ordered each day.  Recruitment for positions at the site is nearing completion.

The official opening was also attended by Mr. Barry O’Leary, CEO of the IDA. Commenting at today’s opening, Mr. O’Leary said, “The establishment by Covidien of its European Services Centre in Dublin is strategically important to Ireland and the Company.  It is a welcome addition to the increasing number of leading life science companies who have recognised the benefits of locating European Services Centres here.  This operation fits neatly with IDA’s Horizon 2020 strategy, which places a strong focus on winning services-based investment and assisting companies to win new international mandates for Ireland.  Covidien’s Centre is an excellent operation and its establishment here is a vote of confidence in Ireland as a key location to carry out international services.”

About Covidien
Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading product lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2009 revenue of $10.7 billion, Covidien has 42,000 employees worldwide in more than 60 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.

IDA Press Release 20/07/10

The Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., today (30th June 2010) welcomed the publication of the Central Statistics Office’s National Accounts figures for the first quarter of 2010. Commenting on the data, the Minister stated:

“These economic figures show that Ireland is out of recession with GDP expanding by 2.7 per cent between the final quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year, which is the fastest growth rate in the OECD”

“This provides concrete evidence that the coordinated measures taken by Government to address competitiveness, the public finances, and the banking system are paying off with improved confidence and clear evidence of a return to economic growth.  Economic growth is an essential driver of jobs growth.

“In the December budget, my Department projected a GDP decline of 1¼ per cent.  Today’s figures suggest the prospects for growth this year are somewhat better than previously assumed.  Today’s figures also show that exports are performing strongly, while consumer spending has stabilised. This, coupled with the figures for consumer confidence since April, bode well for the remainder of the year.”

Commenting at the announcement, Tánaiste and Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan TD said, ‘Today’s announcement by UnitedHealth is a remarkable boost to one of Donegal’s most valuable employers. This expansion by one of the world’s leading health insurers is significant to the financial services sector in Ireland.’

‘UnitedHealth’s’ decision to expand in Ireland comes about as a direct result of the availability of highly-skilled staff in the region, the performance and tenure of existing staff and also the geographic location of the Letterkenny site – it’s time zone lends itself to the 24/7 support needed for the US and Indian markets. On behalf of the Irish Government I look forward to providing continued support to UnitedHealth as its Irish operation grows and develops.’

‘Having strong telecom connectivity has been an important aspect of securing this investment. The development of the Metropolitan Areas Networks and the recent addition of the direct international connectivity provided by Project Kelvin are instrumental in supporting employment intensive investment in the Border region.’

US Vice-President of Operations, Jim Becker, described today’s events as, “a proud day” for the UnitedHealth Group.  “We are delighted to be in Letterkenny and to share in the success of Pádraig Monaghan, our MD here, and his team. There were clear parameters for us in expanding our operations and we did indeed look at other sites around the world.  However, the Letterkenny facility stood out for us. Their unquestionable ability to succeed each and every day, along with their strategic location and passionate workforce made our decision very easy.  We also had an excellent working relationship with the IDA which has facilitated our expansion in Donegal and I would like to thank the organisation for that.”

Managing Director of UnitedHealth, Pádraig Monaghan paid tribute to his loyal staff stating, “We are very fortunate to have staff who possess such a steely and determined work ethic.  Today’s announcement is testament to their hard work over the past 11 years.  We have a proven track record in maintaining high standards within all our divisions and we are very proud to be able to increase the capacity of the company given the current economic challenges.  This is also a great day for Letterkenny and the broader business community who will benefit indirectly from this announcement.”

IDA CEO Barry O’Leary said, “United Health is a Fortune 100 company and has operations in 63 locations worldwide.  The jobs announced today in IT and medical claims processing will be undertaken for clients in the United States, the Middle-East, Europe and Asia. Services Innovation is an important area of focus for IDA and an important part of IDA’s strategy. IDA Ireland looks forward to supporting UnitedHealth as it continues to grow its operations in Ireland.’
Recruitment for the 200 jobs has now begun and it is expected that all positions will be filled by the end of 2011.

Cork, Ireland, 9th July 2010 —- Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe T.D, today announced that Eli Lilly and Company, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world, is to establish a European Financial Services Centre in Cork.  The company plans to create up to 100 new high-skilled finance positions at the operation, the majority of which are to be recruited by the end of Quarter 1, 2011.  IDA Ireland worked closely with Eli Lilly to attract this investment to Ireland against significant competition from other European locations. 

Please join the new Irish Business Network Group, ‘Irish Business Network Switzerland’ on LinkedIn.

This is a networking platform for Irish business people or anyone affiliated to Ireland living in Switzerland.

To access the group site, please click on the link below:

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3143953&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

Zurich, which has a long-standing presence in Ireland, has been on a 2 year recruitment drive since the end of 2008 involving the creation of 240 new jobs by the end of 2010. This will bring the total number employed by the company in Ireland to 1,100.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe T.D welcomed Martin Senn, CEO of Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) to Ireland, noting: ‘World-leader Zurich has chosen Ireland as the European centre for its strategically important operations - a strong endorsement of our highly educated and flexible workforce in the financial services sector.  

‘The creation of 240 positions which will all be filled by the end of the year demonstrates Zurich’s commitment to growth in Ireland and reaffirms the Government’s confidence in our ability to recover from recession,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.

Markus Hongler, CEO Zurich Insurance plc and Chairman Zurich Life Assurance plc said:
“Zurich considered a number of options and Ireland best met our requirements because of its long-standing membership of the EU and the Euro, a well developed insurance market and a highly educated and skilled workforce. These factors continue to underpin our success and drive our business forward both in Ireland and across Europe.”

The key European developments for Zurich in Ireland are:

•    Zurich Insurance plc (General Insurance)

Zurich Insurance plc (ZIP) is headquartered in the IFSC (Dublin) and is Zurich’s main insurance risk carrier for the majority of its EU general insurance business.
Zurich Insurance plc operates both within Ireland and across the EU with branches in the UK, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Spain, Portugal and Italy. ZIP plans to expand its operations with the transfer of additional business from Germany, making it the largest General Insurance entity in the EU, based in Ireland. ZIP will employ 60 people by the end 2010.

•    Zurich Global Life European Hub (Life Insurance)

In 2009 Zurich established a European manufacturing and servicing hub in Blackrock, Co. Dublin to develop cross-border life products for a range of European markets.  The European Hub is already manufacturing products for Ireland, Italy, Germany and UK markets. 

Since 2009 it has filled 35 skilled jobs with 25 additional roles to be filled in 2010.

Zurich Group
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 60,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries.

Zurich General Insurance Ireland
Zurich Insurance Offers a wide range of products, from Private Motor and Home Insurance to Engineering and Commercial Property Insurance. Winner of KPMG Non-Life Insurance Excellence Award for two years running – 2007 and 2008.

Zurich Life Ireland
Zurich Life offers a full range of Pension, Investment and Protection products. Acknowledged leader in Pensions Market - funds under management of approx. €9.8 billion, of which pension assets amount to €5.7 billion. Transforming to leverage operational and online capabilities as a major hub for Zurich Global Life’s European business.

IDA Press Release 16/06/10

QUMAS and Livec Present: Off-the-Shelf Integrated GxP Content and Process Management

For all Irish Business Network members who wish to find out more about the Data Management Solutions and learn about the Off-the-Shelf Integrated GxP Content and Process Management solutions offered by Qumas and their Swiss business partner Livec, please come to this event on Tuesday 22nd June, 2010, Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel, Steinentorstrasse 25, 4051 Basel, Switzerland

Special Guest: Ms Jane Ann Duffy – Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Irish Embassy to Switzerland

Registration is free of charge, please register at www.qumas.com

Language: English

Agenda:

08:00 – 09:00 Registration & Coffee

09:00 – 09:05 Opening and Introduction (Enterprise Ireland)

09:05 – 09:15 Ms Jane Ann Duffy – Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Irish Embassy to Switzerland

09:15 – 09:25 Enterprise Ireland – Doing business with Irish companies and why QUMAS was chosen as a company to support.

09:25 – 09:55 Off-the-Shelf Integrated GxP Content and Process Management – Ken Hayward (Subject Matter Expert)

09:55 – 10:40 Introduction to QUMAS and to our Pre-Defined Packages – Steve Dawson and Ken Hayward (Subject Matter Expert)

10:40 – 11:00 Coffee Break

11:00 – 11:30 The Synthon Case Study – Tieme Stoutjesdijk, Application Manager, Information Management, Synthon

11:30 – 12:15 QUMAS Pre-Defined Package Demonstration – Cyril Walsh, Senior Solutions Consultant

12:15 – 12:45 Introduction to Livec AG as the local implementation partner and point of contact for interest going forward – Rocco Branco, CEO Livec AG

12:45 – 13:00 Q&A

13.00 Lunch

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact: Áine Dunleavy (Marketing Executive, QUMAS) Tel: +353 21 491 5100, Email: adunleavy@qumas.com

David Blake, Enterprise Ireland

The TRIL (Technology Research for Independent Living) Centre, Ireland has announced a new industry partner, GE Healthcare.  TRIL is a groundbreaking research initiative, founded in January 2007 by Intel Corporation and IDA Ireland, to explore the physical, cognitive and social consequences of ageing and design technologies to help address them. The addition of GE Healthcare as an industry partner will help TRIL to extend and expand its research programme.  GE joins the TRIL Centre as its second industry partner for 2010, alongside co-founder Intel and academic partners University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and NUI Galway.  GE Healthcare is investing $3 million in the TRIL Centre.

Commenting on the announcement, Barry O’Leary, IDA CEO said, ‘IDA is delighted with today’s announcement by GE Healthcare to join INTEL, and a number of leading Irish Universities, to develop new technologies at TRIL. IDA in collaboration with INTEL founded TRIL and GE Healthcare’s investment in this cutting-edge facility is a significant endorsement of Ireland’s ability to win key projects in the innovation space, building on the Government’s Smart Economy Strategy.’

‘GE Healthcare and INTEL are world-class corporations and leaders in their fields. The convergence of the companies’ technological expertise and the innovative research that will be carried by joining forces at TRIL has the potential to lead to ground-breaking advances in the emerging area of independent living technologies.’

A key goal of TRIL’s research, which brings together world-class industry and academic experts from multiple disciplines, is to enable older people to live independently in the homes of their choice for as long as possible, with the help of technology—and in the process, to help ease the strain on global healthcare systems as the world’s population ages.  This objective aligns with GE Healthcare’s goal of continuously developing innovations focused on reducing costs, increasing access and improving quality and efficiency.
Home health is a key business focus for GE Healthcare.  The company recently acquired Living Independently Group, a provider of QuietCare, a passive activity monitoring system used to assist in the care of the elderly.  The company is also leading a consortium of private and public sector organizations in a $5 million three-year home health research program funded by the Hungarian government.  In April 2009, GE and Intel announced the formation of a healthcare alliance to develop and market technologies for independent living and chronic disease management.  As part of this alliance, GE Healthcare markets the Intel® Health Guide in the US and UK. The Intel Health Guide is a comprehensive personal health system that combines an in-home patient device – the Intel® Health Guide PHS6000 – as well as an online interface – the Intel® Health Care Management Suite – allowing clinicians to monitor patients from their homes and manage care remotely.

Over the last three years, more than 600 older adults have been assessed in the TRIL Clinic and a large number have participated in the TRIL technology home deployment programme.  The commitment of GE Healthcare will enable TRIL to expand the pool of participants and build on the accomplishments of the first three years. The addition of GE Healthcare as an industry partner supports TRIL’s strategic vision of securing additional industry partners, from SMEs to multinational companies such as GE and Intel, to advance its important research effort.

IDA Ireland Press Release, 28^th April 2010

The Irish Business Network Switzerland would like to invite all its members to its upcoming Networking Event at ‘Der Teufelhof Hotel’, Leonhardsgraben 47-49, 4051 Basel, on 6th May 2010 at 19.00h.

The event will include guest speakers from exciting Irish companies ammado, Globoforce and Qumas, who are all making significant in-roads into the Swiss market. These companies offer highly innovative  solutions and after the presentations, speakers will be available to answer any questions you may have.

As the summer months are fast approaching, this will be the last IBN event until the autumn. Therefore, before we take a break from events over the summer, we would encourage all members to show their continued support for the network, enjoy all drinks and canapés provided by the Business Network, and to learn more about Irish technology capabilities.

Companies presenting:

ammado connects nonprofits, socially responsible companies and engaged individuals in a unique environment of shared interests and offers the tools necessary to supply online campaigning, fundraising, engagement and communication.

Globoforce is the world’s leading provider of strategic employee recognition programs for Global 2000 companies. Globoforce transforms the way companies engage, motivate and empower their workforce accross the globe.   

QUMAS is the leader in regulatory compliance management solutions for document and quality management, submissions management and regulatory approval.