New business start-ups figures remain robust despite talks of a slow down, according to Bank of Ireland’s latest Start-Up Barometer

The Barometer shows that, despite a turbulent economic year, 2007 was a strong year for new businesses with 18,740 new limited companies formed. However, the Barometer does show a slight decline of just over 2% when compared with the number of start-ups in 2006 (19,221).

On a sectorial basis, Construction and Real Estate still remain the most popular start-up business sectors, with 1,714 and 1,804 new businesses respectively. However, the recent economic climate has undoubtedly affected entrepreneurial activity in these sectors, with new business registrations in Construction and Real Estate declining by 26% and 25% based on 2006 figures. The barometer indicates the continued trend for diversification in the small business marketplace, with growth in consumer-based businesses outstripping the traditional sectors. For example, the restaurant sector expanded significantly last year with 528 new restaurants setting up – this represents a 30% increase on 2006. This expansion has been driven by changes in Irish consumption patterns, increased expenditure on food and the growth in food retailers throughout the country.

Consistent with previous year’s results, Dublin remains the prime location for Irish entrepreneurs with 6,996 (7,006 in 2006) businesses establishing in the capital. Interestingly, 2007 also saw growth in new businesses setting up in Dublin’s satellite towns, where start-up activity increased by an impressive 37% in Louth while Kildare experienced over 10% growth. Cork’s popularity increased slightly in 2007 (1.2%) as 1,545 new limited companies set up in the county. And while Galway (731) and Limerick (603) continue to hold the third and fourth position, both counties experienced a decline in entrepreneurial activity of 15% and 11% respectively.

Commenting on the figures released today, Dr Dan McLaughlin, Group Chief Economist, Bank of Ireland said: “The number of start-ups has held up well despite the reported falls in industry and consumer confidence, showing that new businesses are prepared to look through any near-term cyclical slowdown and to focus on the medium-term outlook.”

Damian Young, Head of Small Business, Bank of Ireland Business Banking said: “Encouragingly, the findings of the barometer indicate that at an overall level the business environment for starting a new business remained relatively stable in 2007. However, while some sectors continue to perform well, it is clear that the current market presents many challenges for new businesses in Ireland. Increased energy costs, more stringent legislation and the decline of Ireland’s competitiveness in the global marketplace will continue to test start-ups in the coming year.

“2007 was certainly a year of two halves but remained a strong year overall for business start-ups. Undoubtedly, 2008 will present new challenges for both new and existing companies but the key to success for Irish businesses in 2008 will be their ability to focus on their business goals and to be adaptable to environmental changes. The barometer indicates that, more than ever, people are looking to new businesses as a choice of employment and I believe that opportunities will continue in 2008 for innovative and focussed businesses,” added Damien Young.

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Anne Mathews, Media Relations Manager on 00 353 1 604 3836 or 00 353 87 246 0358.

About Bank of Ireland Business Banking
Bank of Ireland has the most comprehensive Business Start-Up package available to new businesses, featuring a business current account that has a range of banking services free of charge for two years, and a suite of internal and external offers specifically tailored for the new enterprise.

We provide over 100 loans daily to the SME sector and currently approve in excess of 87% of all small business lending applications, with half of all applications getting an immediate decision in the branch, and the other half within 24 hours. In addition, Bank of Ireland is the only financial institution that will lend up to €25,000 to these companies without security.

Our service is delivered through a network of over 600 business bankers, including a Business Advisor in every one of our 270 branches nationwide.