Welcome to the Spring 2009 issue of our Business Bulletin. It is a time of unprecedented challenges for the country and, in particular, for small and medium sized businesses. Bank of Ireland is committed to playing a pivotal role in supporting our business customers and aiding economic recovery. We are open for your business and continue to offer advice on your financial needs, helping you access credit on more flexible terms or assisting in making your business more robust and secure.

In this edition of our Business Banking bulletin, we talk to Bank of Ireland’s Group Chief Economist, Dr. Dan McLaughlin, about the challenges facing the Irish economy, we discuss the options available to small business and provide an overview of the agricultural sector.

We speak to Anne Mette, who was awarded the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008, and we launch our Bright Ideas Challenge to budding entrepreneurs who aim to follow in Anne’s footsteps. We also catch up with last year’s winner of the Challenge, JP Monahan.

Thursday, 19 February sees the much anticipated Irish version of Dragon’ Den hit our screens on RTE 1 at 10.15pm. The 8 part series, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, will see budding entrepreneurs enter the Den in a bid to secure investment in their fledgling business. Innovation will be one of the key differentiating factors for new businesses entering the current market. This sponsorship of Dragons’ Den aligns directly with our ambition to be the leading supporter of new and growing business start-ups in Ireland.

Do you have ideas on how to make our Business Bulletin more useful? Let us know in our on-line survey and you will entered into a competition to win a fabulous rugby package including two premium rugby tickets for the Ireland vs England match in Croke Park on 28 February as well as accommodation in the La Stampa Hotel. Deadline for entries is 23 February so get clicking today for your chance to win!

(Please note: This competition is now closed)


Andrew Fordham
Head of Business Marketing,
Bank of Ireland