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Guaranteed Irish, the not-for-profit business membership organisation, has unveiled new figures which show that global revenues generated by its more than 550 members grew to €26.2 billion in 2018, up €350m in just 12 months. Turnover figures for sales in Ireland by member companies also increased last year, rising by 2.3% to reach €11.2 billion.

Total employment at all Guaranteed Irish member businesses reached 71,390 in 2018, an increase of 43% on 2017. As well as existing members increasing their employee numbers, this figure also reflects the fact that over 200 new members joined the organisation last year.

Over half of Guaranteed Irish member businesses are now exporting, with major export territories including the UK, mainland Europe and the USA. Despite Brexit uncertainty, almost one in five of those currently exporting expect this activity to increase by over 25% this year. Of those who are already exporting, 40 member businesses expect to expand their export activity into new territories in 2019.

Championing Businesses

The figures are being released as Guaranteed Irish celebrates 45 years of championing home-grown and international businesses in Ireland, which make a significant contribution to the Irish economy every year in terms of turnover and employment, as well as to their local communities.

In Association with

Members are entitled to display the Guaranteed Irish symbol, which is awarded to companies which create sustainable jobs, contribute to local communities and are committed to Irish provenance.

Founded in 1974, Guaranteed Irish represents businesses of all sizes throughout Ireland, from indigenous SMEs through to multinational firms operating in the country, across a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, construction, food and drink, tourism, retail and more. The organisation also consults closely with government bodies on a range of business-related issues.

Better Your Business

To mark its milestone 45th anniversary, Guaranteed Irish is organising a ‘Better Your Business’ activation roadshow, a series of workshops across the country for local businesses. The workshops will be in Galway (April 30), Monaghan (June 20), Dublin (September 26) and Limerick (October 24). Attendees will hear how the Guaranteed Irish symbol can help them to enhance their business at home and abroad, and learn how to maximise professional tools such as branding, public relations, and digital and online marketing.

The organisation is also hosting ‘Guaranteed Irish Month’ throughout March, to celebrate its members’ success stories and showcase Ireland’s international reputation.

Experienced Boards

Guaranteed Irish is guided by a Board of Directors who possess unrivalled experience across a wide range of Irish business sectors. The Board includes:

• Carmel Logan, Tax Partner, KPMG Ireland
• Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland
• Michael Jackson, Managing Partner, Matheson
• Ger Brennan, Managing Director, MSD Ireland
• Paddy Kelly, Managing Director, Tegral Building Ltd and Chairperson of Guaranteed Irish
• Mark Keller, Head of Sales & Marketing, Dairygold
• Orlaith Blaney, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Ervia

Guaranteed Irish also has an Appraisals Board which reviews all applications made by businesses. The members of the Guaranteed Irish Appraisals Board are:

• Mary Madigan, Head of NSAI market and regulatory support certification unit
• Jason Crawford, Partner at Grant Thornton
• Caroline Geoghegan, Managing Director of CG Business Consulting
• Brid O’Connell, chief executive of Guaranteed Irish

• Keep up to date on Guaranteed Irish news at this website: guaranteedirish.ie or on Twitter: @GuaranteedIrl, or Instagram: @guaranteed_irish

Photo: Back row (l-r): Michael Jackson, Martin Kelleher, Ger Brennan. Front row (l-r): Carmel Logan, Paddy Kelly, Brid O’Connell, Orlaith Blaney.