THE THIRD-level sector needs to do more to support entrepreneurship in Ireland, the president of Limerick Institute of Technology has said.
Speaking at the fifth annual LIT Mid-West Showcase, hosted by Dell Ireland in Limerick yesterday, Dr Maria Hinfelaar said those charged with supporting the business community had to do more.
Some 150 companies exhibited their products and services to an estimated 3,000 people at the event, which was being held at Dell’s campus in Raheen as part of regional business week.
Participating companies ranged from software development, green tech and sustainable tourism to agrifood and sports services.
“The midwest has been hard hit by the recession but at the same time the region can pride itself on a healthy mix of industry players big and small, whether it’s in the IT sector, in pharma, renewable energy, engineering or financial services. Some are exporting, others are supplying products and services to the major exporting companies, others are delivering to the domestic consumers. There are a lot of new companies emerging now, because the landscape is changing so fast,” Dr Hinfelaar said.
“For third level institutions with an enterprise role like ourselves, we need to do more than educate young people and put on training programmes to support business. We need to go out there and be the facilitators or even creators of businesses, generating much-needed employment.”
Advising those attending the seminar on what their priorities should be now, Danuta Gray, chairwoman of Telefonica O2, said that worrying too much about their prospects could be a problem.
“You may find this surprising but taking care of your health, particularly your mental wellbeing, must be a priority for business people today as well and its importance should not be underestimated.
“If you are frustrated, not getting enough sleep, worried constantly about the next order, all of this can be counterproductive for your business. Your bank, your investors, your staff, customers will recognise it and it will send off the wrong signal. In many cases, people are overly negative about their business because of the prevailing environment and sentiment. If they just get on with what they do best they will achieve a lot more. My advice is if it’s weighing you down that much, step back, forcibly switch off, spend time with your family. You and your business will be all the better for it.”
Also addressing the seminar, Pádraig Healy, executive director of supply chain operations and site leader at Dell, Limerick, said: “We are delighted to host the Mid-West Showcase where so many inspiring business people have gathered. Our chairman and CEO, Michael Dell, was in Limerick last month when he spoke about the importance of startups and small businesses in helping to drive economic growth. We strongly support his view and that is why it’s very fitting for Dell to be able to support today’s event and play our part in helping to ensure that the midwest has a vibrant, healthy startup community.”