Sky announces latest update to Sky+ search functionality
Sky+ has announced the latest update to the Sky+HD box, which is being rolled out to customers over the coming months, will let customers search by title, actor, event, channel, sport or any key word to find anything from drama or comedy to the next Uefa Champions League game. The updated search functionality uses technology that collates results based on real-time searches across the nation. It means customers can expect the most recent and on-trend suggestions at the top of their searches. The search functionality is already available on the Sky+ app. “With our enhanced search we are making it even easier to find shows and movies you love, as…
Read MoreUK & Ireland were Europe’s biggest M&A; Market in Q1-Q3 2013 – Mergermarket
The UK and Ireland were Europe’s biggest M&A; market, contributing 22.2pc to the total deal value, according to the latest Mergermarket’s Global Q1-Q3 2013 Financial Advisors and M&A; trend report. They were followed by the Germanic countries with a 17.9pc. Eurozone M&A values in Q1–Q3 2013 were 30.1pc higher than Q1–Q3 2012, with Q3 eurozone deal values up 49.4pc compared to Q3 2012. Total cross-border (inbound and outbound) M&A value in Q3 saw a recovery compared to both Q2 and Q, making it the highest valued quarter in 15 months. While this shift in momentum is encouraging for the rest of 2013, the Q1–Q3 2013 total of US$230bn was 24.6pc…
Read MoreUCD spin-out Logentries secures $10m in financing
University College Dublin (UCD) cloud-based spin-out Logentries has secured $10m in Series A financing and named Andrew Burton as president and CEO. Co-founded in 2010 by Dr Trevor Parsons and Dr Viliam Holub, Logentries is a service provider for collecting and analysing huge quantities of machine-generated log data. It currently actively services over 10,000 users across more than 100 countries, processing more the 20 billion log events per day. The financing round was led by Polaris Partners, along with Floodgate, Frontline Ventures and RRE Ventures. Logentries will use the funds to accelerate product development and aggressively drive a go-to-market strategy. Unlike costly log management alternatives that require advanced technical skills…
Read MoreNumber of start-ups rises 8pc in Q3, company insolvencies down 25pc – Vision-net
Increase in Start-ups and New Companies A total of 9,327 company and business start-ups were recorded this quarter – up 8pc on the same period in 2012 – showing an average of 108 start-ups per day, according to figures from Vison-net. Of these, 5,727 were registered business names while 3,600 new companies were incorporated, up 16pc on the same period last year. First-Time Company Directors Almost 4,600 people have become director of Irish companies for the first time this quarter. Based on an analysis of almost 4,600 appointments this quarter, the average age of a first time company director is 42, with men accounting for over 60pc of first time…
Read MoreDublin Chamber & Web Summit Host Workshop for SMEs
Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Web Summit will host a one-day trading online workshop for small to medium-sized companies on the eve of Europe’s biggest tech event. Entitled ‘Basecamp,’ the workshop will provide businesses with expert advice and insights from digital leaders at Google, PayPal, and Facebook. The event will take place at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, 29 October. Irish consumers currently spend about €3.7bn per year online, and it is expected to grow to €5.7bn by 2016. However, only a quarter of current online sales goes to Irish businesses, and just 23pc of Irish SMEs are trading online. International research shows that SMEs who adopt online trading…
Read MoreIMF completes Ireland’s 11th bailout review
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently completed its 11th review of Ireland’s bailout programme and has approved the release of the latest tranche of funding, which is estimated to be around €770 million. The review assessed the performance of the Irish economy and the progress made in implementing the agreed-upon economic reforms and fiscal measures. Economic Contraction in the Second Quarter According to the IMF’s assessment, the Irish economy experienced a contraction of 1.2% year-on-year in the second quarter. This decline was primarily attributed to a decrease in exports and a shrinkage in domestic demand. These factors had a negative impact on the overall economic output during the specified…
Read MoreDell bank creating 200 jobs in Dublin
Dell said today that it will create 200 jobs in the first phase of its new financial services company in Dublin. Today’s official launch of the Dell bank was attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton. Dell was awarded a full commercial bank licence by the Central Bank of Ireland at the end of June. Now, through its customer financing arm, Dell Financial Services, the company will provide direct financing to business customers across Europe from its HQ in Cherrywood Business Park in south Dublin. Dell said it has invested €400m in the roll out of Dell Financial…
Read MoreBAI signs sound broadcasting contracts with FM104, South East Radio and East Coast Radio
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today signed contracts for three 10-year sound broadcasting services for the franchise areas of Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow. The services are operated by FM104, South East Radio and East Coast Radio respectively. “The BAI’s Broadcasting Services Strategy envisages that the people of Ireland will be served by a vibrant broadcasting sector which provides content and programming that caters for and reflects diversity within Irish society,” said Bob Collins, chairperson of the BAI. “Each service signing a contract today has contributed greatly to that vibrant mix in their respective franchise areas in the past and I am confident that they will continue to offer…
Read MoreSAP Nurseries launches online gift business at ploughing championships
Forty year old Irish tree company SAP Nurseries has launched a new online gift business, GiftofaTree.ie at the National Ploughing Championships. The new online venture sells mature trees and includes delivery and planting in its offering. Gift buyers can choose a mature tree from a total of 22 different species such as Wild Cherry, Silver Birch, Norway Maples, Swedish Whitebeams, and Italian Alders. “By embracing the latest advancements in technology and recognising the need to capitalise on the growth in online retailing, traditional businesses, such as ours, have been afforded the opportunity to branch out and develop exciting innovations,” said Tom Walsh, chairman of SAP Group. “The launch of GiftofaTree.ie,…
Read MoreNew web portal MyMoney reveals 91pc of Irish employess are in financial stress
A survey by Amarach Research commissioned by newly launched web portal MyMoney has revealed that 91pc of Irish employees are in financial stress with 57pc reporting its impact on their ability to do their jobs. When employers were asked about financial stress and its effect on their employees – 78pc of managers believed financial stress was having a direct impact on productivity. MyMoney estimates that financially stressed employees absenteeism costs €850,000 daily in Ireland, or a total of €2.1bn a year. Launched today, 24 September, and founded by Liam Croke, MyMoney is a web portal providing employers with a resource for employees to take control of their personal finances. It…
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