The Digital Hub Development Agency has declared 2006 a year of record growth including a 44% increase of companies located at the Liberties hub and significant expansion of existing Hub companies.
Issuing its end-of-year statement, the DHDA revealed there are now 72 companies now located in the project, up from 50 at the end of last year. DHDA Chief Executive Officer, Philip Flynn said “This is the strongest growth that the Digital Hub project has witnessed to date and it proves that delivering not only the right office choice for digital media companies but the right business opportunities is setting us apart in the market.”
As well as attracting new companies, the Hub saw several of its long term tenants expand significantly during the year most notably was graduation of three companies, Kavaleer, Blinck Mobile Ltd. and Zamano from the Hub’s incubation space to other locations within the project. Between them these three companies now employ over 80 staff. Another company expanding strongly is DAFT.ie which now has 18 employees with further expansion planned for early 2007.
As well as home-grown companies, the Hub has attracted a number of International players to the digital centre. “The growth of The Digital Hub in 2006 has consolidated our reputation, in Ireland and abroad, as one of Europe’s most desired locations for companies in the digital media sector. Approximately 25% of companies currently located in The Digital Hub are foreign direct investment,” said Flynn.
In addition to further expansion within the Hub, 2007 will see the facility realise a long term goal with the opening of the National Digital Research Centre, (NDRC).
