Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

OIKLA Launches Perception: A Breakthrough Audio Hearing Protection Algorithm for Remora PRO

OIKLA, a trailblazer in audio technology, proudly announces the release of Perception, a revolutionary audio hearing protection algorithm designed for Remora PRO. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of Sonical’s embedded operating system, CosmOS, Perception marks a monumental leap in preserving auditory health while delivering unparalleled audio experiences through headphones and all other ear-worn products.

Remora PRO epitomises OIKLA’s commitment to innovation, offering users an immersive audio experience like never before. With the integration of Perception, Remora PRO guarantees optimal sound quality and user well-being in any listening environment.  In the light of recent data from the World Health Organisation that brings to our attention the huge number of hearing issues being uncovered, in particular with younger listeners, we believe everyone should be protecting their hearing.

OIKLA’s Perception technology seamlessly blends two powerful features to provide an audio experience that feels louder and more immersive while maintaining safe listening levels. This innovative approach ensures users enjoy their favourite sounds without risking their hearing health. Grammy award-winning engineer and producer Ricky Damian endorses this groundbreaking technology, highlighting its potential to revolutionise audio experiences.

Smart Hearing Loss Prevention

Proactive Threshold Monitoring – The technology monitors listening levels and alerts users or limits audio when safe thresholds are exceeded, ensuring continuous protection against hearing damage. This feature ensures that even as audio levels increase, user safety remains a top priority.

 

Advanced Loudness Compensation

Dynamic Content-Based Adjustment – Harnessing the latest ISO standards, Perception fine-tunes loudness based on the audio content and the frequency spectrum of the headphone acoustics. This ensures that users perceive sound as louder and more dynamic without the need for higher volumes, thereby reducing the risk of hearing damage. Audiologists can provide expert advice and solutions to optimize hearing aids or sound systems for safe and effective use.

Enhanced Spatialization – Advanced loudness compensation algorithms amplify spatial audio cues, offering a deeply immersive listening experience. This enhances the perception of sound depth and direction, making the audio experience more engaging and realistic.

“Our partnership with Sonical has allowed us to combine cutting-edge technology with a steadfast commitment to user well-being,” said Luigi Cosi , CEO at OIKLA. “With the launch of Perception for Remora PRO, we are proud to offer users an unparalleled fusion of exceptional audio performance and advanced hearing protection capabilities.”

Gary Spittle, CEO of Sonical adds “Sound level monitoring and hearing protection are among the most requested features that end users ask us to support.  Oikla’s solution comes from the professional plugin community and is a fantastic addition to the CosmOS enabled ecosystem”.  

Remora PRO, equipped with OIKLA’s Perception audio hearing protection algorithm is poised to revolutionise the way users interact with audio content, setting new standards for immersive and responsible listening experiences.

Learn more at www.remora.pro

Bank of Ireland recruiting for 100 technology roles

Bank of Ireland is recruiting for 100 technology roles to support digital projects across the Group. The roles will help drive some of the Group’s most important technology projects including new customer features on digital channels, protecting customers against fraud, and advanced data analytics.

The Bank is filling roles across data, delivery management, engineering, resilience and cyber, recruiting talent within areas such as cloud, open banking, APIs, AI and emerging technologies.

Bank of Ireland continues to invest significantly in technology across the Group. In 2023, the Bank saw an 18% year on year increase in active digital users, with over 60 enhancements to the mobile app including biometrics and additional fraud monitoring. Continued digitisation in Wealth and Insurance saw the launch of a customer portal and strong adoption of its digital advice platform.

Earlier this year, Bank of Ireland announced the largest single investment in ATMs in the last decade, with a new fleet of state-of-the-art ATMs being rolled out to all branches throughout the Island of Ireland. The Bank also announced an investment of €15 million on new fraud prevention technology.

Ciarán Coyle, Group Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Ireland said: “We continue to invest in our talent, technology and infrastructure, to ensure customers have the very best banking services. We’re currently progressing a range of innovative digital projects across the Group and we want to recruit talented specialists who can enhance the banking experience for our customers.

“Bank of Ireland offers an exciting and dynamic environment for career development. In addition to exciting projects, we provide a supportive environment with inclusive workplace policies, flexible remote work options through a network of hubs, and competitive pay and benefits. We are looking for the very best talent to join our technology team as we continue to deliver improvements for customers and colleagues across the organisation.”

New recruits will be entitled to Bank of Ireland’s suite of market-leading Family Matters policies including maternity and paternity leave, parents leave, foster care leave, early pregnancy loss, surrogacy, fertility leave, all of which are paid leave entitlements.

To apply for roles currently live, click here:

Robot dog simulates heat stroke symptoms and warns of the dangers of a hot car

The Nordics’ leading petcare brand Musti Group launched a campaign warning dog owners to never leave their dog alone in a hot car. The campaign features a custom made robotic dog that simulates the symptoms of a heat stroke. The robot is placed inside a car and its movements are triggered by changes in temperature.

 

While Nordic summers are not always particularly hot, dogs with their fur coats are prone to heat strokes even in milder temperatures. Dogs should never be left alone in the car during summer, because the temperature inside a car can get dangerously high even on cloudy days. Even though awareness around the issue has increased, authorities in the Nordic countries still receive numerous reports of dogs left in hot cars every summer.

With their new campaign, the Nordic pet care specialist Musti Group wants to educate both dog owners and passers-by, who might come across dogs left in a car during summer. The campaign features a fully functioning robotic dog, which shows how fast a car turns into a death trap for pets. The robot simulates the symptoms of a heat stroke, and its movements are triggered by the temperature inside the car it’s placed in.

“When it comes to recognising dangerous situations, real life experience is the best form of education. By creating a tangible, cautionary example that people witness with their own eyes, we hope to increase awareness of how and when to act in these situations both as a dog owner and a passer-by,” Eveliina Rantahalvari, Musti Group’s Head of Nordic Marketing says.

Rantahalvari also states that dogs have a higher risk of suffering a heat stroke, because they are not able to regulate their body temperature by sweating through the skin.

“The temperature inside the car rises dangerously high faster than many people realise. Even leaving the car’s windows open is not enough to ensure the dog is not at risk,” Rantahalvari says and reminds that if passers-by notice a trapped dog, the animal might be in need of immediate help.

“If you notice a dog left in a hot car, the first thing you should do is try to get in contact with the owner. For example, in a store or shopping center, you can ask the staff to make an announcement to try and alert the owner,” Rantahalvari says.

The symptoms of a dog’s heat stroke include, among other things, severe lethargy, dark redness of the tongue and oral mucosa, convulsions and tremors. The situation might be very serious, if the dog is no longer panting or showing signs of restlessness, but instead lies still apathetically. If the owner of the car cannot be found quickly, the helper must contact the emergency centre and ask for instructions to help the dog.

“During summer, overheating is also a threat outside the car. It can be prevented by giving the dog enough water, staying in the shade, swimming and, for example, with ice cream made for dogs,” Rantahalvari reminds.

 

Read more at: www.mustigroup.com

Introducing Connect Pro, the revolutionary magnetic cable: a new era of charging convenience

Sydney based consumer electronics brand, Chargeasap, known for its incredibly successful crowdfunding campaigns which have raised more than $8.7M over its eleven campaigns, is pleased to announce its latest innovation, the Connect Pro. It is the world’s first magnetic cable featuring a built-in power reader, showcasing real-time power output in watts on an LED screen and supports both 100W USB-C PD and 27W Apple Fast Charge.

The Kickstarter campaign is now live with up to 69% off the Connect Pro with Super Early Bird and Early Bird rewards from an RRP of $19. Each cable set includes a 1.2m cable and a preferred tip, with color options in black and gunmetal.

Charge all USB devices with only one cable: Fed up with juggling multiple cables for different devices? Imagine needing just one magnetic cable for all of them! In this tech-centric world, everyone is constantly relying on multiple smart devices whether working remotely, traveling, or just on the go. Keeping everything charged can be hard work and carrying round a tangled mess of cables is no fun either.

It works with all three major USB types: USB-C, Apple Lightning, and Micro USB which puts it into a league of its own. Once the compatible tips are inserted into the devices, it becomes a universal USB cable compatible with any modern USB devices such as smartphones, tablets, USB-C PD devices including laptops, cameras, GoPros, speakers, headphones, Nintendo Switches, microphones and even drones to name but a few. Say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to simplicity with one cable for all charging needs!

World’s first 100W magnetic cable with LED screen: Connect Pro boasts a revolutionary built-in power reader, displayed on a sleek LED screen, so it’s easy to check at a glance that all devices are charging at maximum speed. It’s the ideal cable for regular travelers and anyone with a busy, on-the-go lifestyle.

As pioneers of magnetic cables, Chargeasap is constantly pushing boundaries. That’s why it has reengineered its best-selling Infinity range to include upgraded features, perfectly complementing today’s powerful devices.

Charge a Macbook at full speed: With 100W Power Delivery 3.0 PPS, this magnetic cable can fast charge your laptop, perfect for devices such as the MacBook Pro 16″. The Connect Pro cable matches the maximum charging speed of the original Apple USB-C cable.

Lightning fast charging for Apple devices: Connect Pro is the world’s first magnetic cable to fully support 27W Apple Fast charging for Lightning devices like the iPhone 14 series and earlier models. Charge your iPhone at maximum speed, reducing the iPhone 14 Pro Max charging time from empty to full in just about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Overcoming Apple chip restrictions, this achievement marks a significant milestone that earlier magnetic cables couldn’t achieve. We’re proud to lead as the first magnetic cable capable of supporting both Apple iPhone 14 and 15 max charging speeds.

Save money: There’s now no need to buy individual cables for all the differing devices or when companies, like Apple, alter their charging ports. Compatible with both iPhone 14 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max, this magnetic cable is future-proof, ensuring compatibility, even with an iPhone 20.

Say goodbye to cable snags: Leave laptop tripping accidents in the past with this Magsafe inspired connector, ensuring a snag-free experience and complete peace of mind. Say goodbye to worries and start the day smoothly with its yank-safe connection.

Data transfer: Connect Pro facilitates two-way full-speed USB 2.0 data transfer, clocking in at 480 Mbps, between any USB devices.

Effortlessly connect devices: Connecting to a phone during tricky situations, without interrupting flow, has never been simpler, whether driving, on-the-go, in a meeting, or immersed in a game. This user-friendly magnetic connection removes the need for precise plug insertions, making it easier for individuals, including those with dexterity challenges, to connect and disconnect any devices with just one hand. No more struggling to connect devices, even in the dark.

Strongest magnetic connection yet and built to last: These cable sets feature N52 grade neodymium magnets, known as the world’s strongest commercial grade magnets. These magnets are powerful enough to support up to 1.1kg (2.4lb), including devices like the 682g (1.5lb) iPad Pro. Trusted by over 300,000 customers since 2016, they highlight Chargeasap’s commitment to quality and durability.

Since the Infinity magnetic cable series, the brand has made significant upgrades, including increasing magnet thickness by 9% from 6.8mm (Infinity) to 7.4mm (Connect Pro) for a stronger magnetic connection. This enhancement is complemented by an innovative locking mechanism, ensuring a more secure connection and longer lifespan.

Each cable set includes a 1.2m (3.9ft) cable, with an optional 2m (6.5ft) cable available separately, providing durability and lasting value for all your devices.The cables feature an anti-fray neck design, minimizing the risk of fraying or snapping at common weak points, thus increasing their lifespan which not only outlasts all devices but also delivers lasting value. Every cable includes a complimentary cord wrap, perfect for adjusting the cable’s length or swiftly tidying it away for neat storage or transport. Say goodbye to messy and tangled cables for good.

Light Indicator: Ever plugged in a phone at night, only to wake up to a dead battery? With Connect Pro’s LED light indicator, which turns green upon successful charging, users will instantly know when a device is charging properly. This indicator, along with the LED screen, ensures no device is unconnected whilst the user thinks it’s charging.

The Connect Pro Kickstarter campaign commences on the 25th June with up to 69% off the Connect Pro with Super Early Bird and Early Bird rewards from the RRP of $19. Each cable set includes a 1.2m cable and a preferred tip, with color options in black and gunmetal. As is the case with all Chargeasap’s magnetic cables, the Connect Pro comes with a fifteen year guarantee so users can be fully confident it will last the test of time.

Kickstarter rewards:

1 x Connect Pro Super Early Bird with 68% off from $60 to $19

1 x Connect Pro Early Bird with 62% off from $60 to $23

1 x Connect Pro Indiegogo with 53% off from $60 to $28

2 x Connect Pro Super Early Bird with 68% off from $120 to $38

2 x Connect Pro Early Bird with 62% off from $120 to $46

2 x Connect Pro Early Bird with 53% off from $120 to $56

3 x Connect Pro Super Early Bird with 68% off from $180 to $57

3 x Connect Pro Early Bird with 62% off from $180 to $69

3x Connect Pro Indiegogo with 53% off from $180 to $84

5 x Connect Pro Super Early Bird including 2 cable cases and one magnetic cable organizer with 65% off from $300 to $105

10 x Connect Pro Super Early Bird including 5 cable cases and 2 magnetic cable organizers with 67% off from $600 to $200

Product Specifications:

· USB-C Output: 9V 1.67A/ 9V 2A/ 20V 3A/ 20.2V 4.35A/ 20V 5A

· Apple Output: 9V 3A

· Micro USB Output: 5V 2.4A

See chargeasap.com

 

Tech Review – Chipolo Card Point

The Chipolo Card Point is the latest tracker wallet finder for Google’s Find My Device app and there is several types of offers to choose from there is the Chipolo Card Point which we will look at today and then there is the Chipolo One Point.

This card is super thin at 2.4mm and will fit in any wallet or space you have in mind to store it to track your items and you can then locate on Google Maps there has been previous options available for iOS and other devices in the past we checked out here before like the Chipolo One Item Tracker the Chipolo Card Spot wallet finder and the Chipolo Item Tracker.

This is set to take on Apple with the worldwide Android Network and works really well and works as you would expect from Chipolo only better now with the ability with Google Maps to help you along the way with the options to be notified

when found and if nearby you get hints to find your item or wallet just like Apples Air tag so if you are one to misplace things this is the item for you and check out the video for more below..

 

The App 

Compatibility:

Pairing requires an Android phone or tablet.
To use Google’s Find My Device app on your Android phone or tablet to locate Chipolo Point, the device must be running Android 9 or later with Google Play Services installed.

Register your Chipolo CARD Point after adding it to the Google Find My Device app and you’ll get an email reminder with a 50% discount code for a new CARD Point in 2 years. Send your used CARD Point back to us for recycling free of charge.

Another example of the devices whereabouts when shared to a friend

Features

Make it ring – The loud sound of the Chipolo Point will help you find your misplaced things quickly.

Find nearby – Get distance hints in the Find My Device app and pinpoint the location of your misplaced things.

Locate far away – Check the location of your things on a map with the help of Google’s Find My Device network.

BUY

Video Review

Expert suggests summer of sport TV time for workers may boost return to office and team morale

As we approach a summer of sport across Ireland, many avid supporters may be looking to keep up with their sport of choice. With Euros already begun, Wimbledon on the way and the Paris Olympic Games kicking off from July, many workers residing in the office may hope to catch matches and games whilst at work.

Past YouGov studies have revealed only 23% of employees at a permanent workplace have permission to watch TV at work, meaning a large portion of the workforce will miss out on watching the action live, or worse, will instead choose to miss work so they can get involved in the action elsewhere.

The same survey noted that almost 1 in 3 (29%) of workers would like the opportunity to watch sporting events whilst at work. More than a fifth of male employees surveyed in the research suggested watching sporting events encourages ‘good team spirit’ in the workplace.

Is TV time at the office the key to boosting team spirit and morale?

Shane Duffy, Managing Director at Click Offices says that hosting watch parties in the workplace is a great way to not only encourage employees into the office, but to also provide flexible working solutions that fosters greater team morale.

“We all know how hard it’s been to get people back to the office since the pandemic, and with more people than ever choosing flexible working patterns that allow them better work/life balance, you really have to make coming to the office a worthwhile affair for employees.

It’s all well and good providing varied work environments and top of the range serviced offices, but employees are wanting more than just coffee making facilities and proximity to a good sports bar to watch the game after work.

“Gen Z especially are wanting more of an experience from their work days, and their motivations are different to the generations before them. It’s not just all about the money for them, they want to feel like they’re part of a team, they need motivation in other ways.

A survey recently showed that more than half of Gen Zers say that watching live games is one of the best ways to engage with the Euros especially, and so combining their passions outside of work with an enthusiastic work environment is an easy way to attract and maintain the Gen Z workforce.

“What’s more attractive to employees than coming together with your work mates to watch some sport, enjoy some food, have a laugh and maybe answer a few emails while you’re at it?”

How to balance fun work environment with HR-approved inclusivity

Hosting a workplace watch party isn’t as easy as bringing in the big TV and putting on some food and drink for the team – there are a number of things employers need to be mindful of when encouraging staff to let their hair down in a professional environment.

David Rice, HR expert at People Managing People shares his top tips for hosting a workplace watch party that won’t get you in trouble with the HR team.

  1. Keep Things Inclusive

“Just make sure you create a welcoming environment for everyone. That means food options for everyone, including those with allergies or dietary requirements. Put out a quick survey so you know if there’s anything people can’t enjoy, such as gluten or shellfish. This way you have options for everyone.

“As for alcohol, you’ll want to think about the fact that some folks don’t drink or may be in recovery for alcoholism and provide support if the event is triggering in some way. Whether that’s pairing them with other people in recovery or creating alcohol free spaces for them to enjoy.”

  1. Avoid Creating Distractions

“These sorts of events are good in a few ways. For one, they definitely boost morale and create a sort of bonding experience for employees where they can find common ground and chat with people they wouldn’t normally interact with. But it also breaks up the monotony of the working calendar and provides something memorable. This is a nice way to mark a time of the year and create memorable experiences in the workplace.

“If it becomes excessive, it can be a distraction. If you have employees who are fans of other countries, it’s important to be respectful of everyone and celebrate their cultures. Nationalism is inherent to some extent in international sports, but that can turn ugly if nurtured in the wrong way.”

  1. It’s Not That Deep

“Since the Ancient Greeks, sport has been used to entertain, celebrate and enjoy a distraction from daily life. This time in history isn’t that different and we should use it to remind ourselves that life isn’t just corporate deadlines and P&L reports.

“Sports inspire people to try harder, take better care of themselves, overcome adversity and work together. That’s why they’re such a great metaphor for teamwork in all settings, but in this case, the CEO doesn’t have to make some cringey reference to getting the ball over the goal line, people can just see the dynamics of teamwork and how everything comes together by watching what plays out.”

  1. Promote Workplace Flexibility

“Summer tends to be a period in which people cash in annual leave or they tend to disengage as their desire to be out and about in the sunshine increases. By embracing these types of events, you allow for people to break without actually taking holiday or just actively disengaging. They’ll appreciate your flexibility and understanding of the importance of such events in the national culture.”

For more information on serviced office solutions in Dublin, please visit Click Offices: https://www.clickoffices.com/serviced-offices/ireland/dublin

Furthr Foundry Accelerator News – Safely scoops the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’ award

Ten of the country’s most promising tech entrepreneurs have completed the first Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme, Ireland’s latest Pre-Seed Accelerator. The intensive 12-week programme concluded this week at the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC). On the final day, the participating start-ups took part in investor pitches and had one-on-one meetings with leading Irish VCs and Angel Investors. During these meetings, each start-up engaged in detailed discussions about their business plans, received valuable feedback, and sought investor perspectives.

The ten high-potential start-ups who completed the Pre-Seed Accelerator Programme will now be seeking to raise a combined pre-seed capital investment of up to €4m.

Winner of the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’ award announced on the Finale Day as voted for by the panel of investors, was Safely, founded by Jack Manning.

Safely serves commercial vehicle fleets in the US, UK, and Ireland by offering a driver safety solution that has been estimated to reduce claims by over 50 per cent. In addition to being recognised as the ‘Most Investable Start-Up’, Safely also received a cash prize of €3k, sponsored by Growing Capital, the leading provider of pre-seed private investment in Ireland.

Commenting on the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme and what the “Most Investable Start-Up’ award recognition means for his company, Jack Manning, founder of Safely, said: “It’s great to have won! It’s validation that all the hard work to date is worth it. And it really does make me believe that I can grow this business, get the investment I need to really scale it to the level I want to scale it to. So, it’s unbelievable validation, great to have won it. But the job’s only really starting I suppose.”

Commenting on the programme and the engagement with the participating start-ups, Gianni Matera, founder of Growing Capital, said: “If the aim of this pre-seed accelerator is to prepare start-ups for their pre-seed round, then I believe it has been successful. Many start-ups are now ready to apply for a PSSF, and some are even poised for an HPSU round.”

The panel of investors attending the finale event included representatives from some of Ireland’s most active Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors, including Sure Valley Ventures, Elkstone Private Partners, Growing Capital, Furthr VC, Delta Partners, Enterprise Ireland, Seedrs, ACT Venture Capital and Furthr Investor Network.

Speaking to the Start-Ups on the Finale Day for the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme,  Martin Murray, CEO at Furthr, said: “Today’s final part of the Foundry Accelerator Programme culminating in the finale day, is hopefully only the beginning of our journey in supporting your growth and in realising your ambitions for your respective businesses. Our success will be measured by supporting our clients to become ‘investor ready’ to take on their first institutional investment and myself, along with our business and investor mentorship teams, look forward to working closely with you to make this happen.”

Devised by Furthr, the country’s leading business innovation centre, in conjunction with the programme’s key partners including Growing Capital, Microsoft’s Founder Platform and the Guinness Enterprise Centre, the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme sets out to support, prepare and deliver 10 investor ready high potential start-ups who will take on pre-seed investment following their successful completion of the programme.

Companies participating in the inaugural Furthr Foundry Accelerator programme included a wide range of diverse tech empowered businesses and industry sectors, leveraging some of the fast emerging technologies to enable digital transformation for many businesses, including artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, EdTech and biotech.

The ten companies who successfully completed the first Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme were, Allocator Training Institute, Biovit Technologies, Co-Swipe, Decision Analytics, Safely, Teddlo, Hiremate, PassionFruit, Simple Probate and Workstuff.ai.  

Furthr is now planning for the next cycle of the Furthr Foundry Accelerator Programme, expected to kick off in September 2024.  Tech entrepreneurs with aspirations to establish and scale their Start-Up enterprises for investment are encouraged to contact Furthr or go online for more information on the Furthr Foundry Accelerator.

Enterprise Ireland announces client exports of €34.57bn in 2023

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s trade and innovation agency today announced that client exports reached a record €34.57bn in 2023, a new record for Irish exporters, supported by the Agency. Overall non-food exports increased by 8%.

The Agency reported that by the end of 2023, it had surpassed its 2024 target of a 10% increase in the number of companies achieving sales greater than €10m, €20m and €50m. At the end of 2023, a year ahead of target, over 20% growth in each category had been achieved.

Technology and Services exports were up 10% to €8.49bn. Industrial and Lifesciences exports were up by 7% to €10.384bn, while Food and Sustainability exports were down by 4% to €15.691bn, largely impacted by international dairy sales and prices.

The UK, the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland client companies, accounting for 29% of total exports, grew by 6% to €9.97bn. Food exports grew by 7% to €4.76bn. Industrial & Lifesciences exports grew 3% to €3.25bn, while Technology and Services were up 8% to €1.96bn in 2023.

Exports to the Eurozone, the second largest export market for Enterprise Ireland client companies, accounting for 25% of total exports, grew by 2% to €8.61bn in 2023. Food and Sustainability exports of €4.28bn were down 6%, while Industrial and Lifesciences exports of €2.86bn increased by 9%, and Technology and Services exports were up 19% to €1.47bn.

The largest export markets in the Eurozone are Germany, France and the Netherlands. Exports to Germany increased by 14% to €2.33bn while exports to France were up 5% to €1.82bn. Exports to the Netherlands were down 13% to €1.75bn.

The third largest export market, accounting for 19% of total exports is North America. In 2023, exports to the region were up by 5% to €6.48bn. Of which €5.9bn exports were to the USA. Overall, non-food exports to North America, were up 8%. Technology and Services grew by 8% to €2.95bn, and Industrial & Lifesciences exports were up 7% to €2.22bn.

Enterprise Ireland client companies spent €39.3bn in the Irish economy in 2023, including €11.7bn on payroll.

Welcoming today’s results, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D, said: “Across a variety of sectors and international markets, Irish exporters have made significant gains and continue to grow their influence internationally, despite a more challenging international business environment and rising costs. Irish exporters are a critical component of the Irish economy, and the government is committed to supporting this sector to scale to further heights in the years ahead.”

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said: “Today’s results reflect the ambition and tenaciousness of Irish entrepreneurs, who with the support of Enterprise Ireland’s team are scaling internationally at an accelerated pace, with strong gains in key sectors, markets and sales growth by clients.

“Irish exporters have remained committed to investing in the UK, our largest trading partner, and the 6% growth in exports justifies that commitment. While the Eurozone grew by a more modest 2% this can be largely attributed to Food exports to the region being down by 6%. Technology, Industrial and Lifesciences exporters continue to thrive in North America, particularly the USA, with exports in these combined sectors up 8% to €5.17bn.

“Overall, Industrial, Lifesciences and Construction exports have surpassed €10bn exports and reflective of the caliber of Irish software being produced, we would expect Technology and International Services exports will also reach that €10bn milestone.

“Our mission is to accelerate Ireland’s economy with robust job growth and export gains worldwide. As we focus on business growth and expansion, sustainability, productivity and digitalisation will be high on our agenda.”

A fifth of office workers in Ireland have access to the company data of a previous employer

HCS, a leading IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services company, is today announcing the results of new research which found that nearly a fifth (19%) of office workers in Ireland still have access to the company data of a previous employer. Of these, 48% use that previous employer’s data to help them in their current job.

The research of 503 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of HCS, with the support of Fortinet, a global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. The aim of the survey was to explore office workers’ attitudes to, and experiences of, cybersecurity at work. The full results and analysis of the survey are available as part of a new report by HCS called ‘HCS CyberWatch Report: Insights into 2024’s Cyber Threats’.

The study also highlighted the risk that current employees can pose to data security within organisations, if effective access controls are not in place. Of those surveyed, 43% say that in the job they have now, they have access to privileged or sensitive company data that they shouldn’t, and 52% of these admit that they access it. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that 61% of office workers don’t trust their employer to protect their own personal data.

Meanwhile, 15% of office workers say that their organisation’s cybersecurity measures prevent them from doing their job effectively. Some of those surveyed are finding ways around this, with 22% of office workers admitting to having bypassed internet access controls implemented by their organisation by using tools such as a web proxy to access blocked sites.

When it comes to working arrangements, it appears that there is still a way to go in making employees feel secure and supported outside of the office. Almost a fifth (19%) of those who work remotely or on a hybrid basis feel more vulnerable to security risks when working from home, while 27% feel they have less technical support. Some 48% of remote or hybrid workers access their company network via a secure VPN, while the same percentage (48%) use home Wi-Fi.

Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said: “These findings highlight the urgent need for organisations to proactively manage access permissions and implement robust access policies. In doing so, businesses can mitigate the risk of unauthorised data exposure and protect their valuable assets against potential breaches. In addition, providing ongoing awareness training can empower employees to play an active role in protecting company data. Not only will this bolster the security of sensitive customer and company information; it will uphold trust with employees regarding the safeguarding of their own personal data.

“It’s concerning to see that employees are finding ways to circumnavigate organisational security measures. Organisations need to ensure that the cybersecurity infrastructure in place is robust, while also setting out clear protocols for employees. Meanwhile, it’s crucial that employees feel supported when working outside of the office. A well-defined remote or hybrid work strategy should have cybersecurity at its core to enable employees to work securely and efficiently, with speedy remediation in the event of an issue to minimise downtime.”