The Irish Exporters Association (IEA ), the voice of the export industry in Ireland,have announced that Aerogen, innovative medical device and drug delivery company Exporter of the Year 2014 at the Export Industry Awards (Awards ). The Awards, in their 14th year, attracted more than 500 guests including Minister Alex White, TD, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources who provided a keynote address, Ambassadors and Dignitaries from 24 embassies in Ireland and Ivan Yates as MC to the Convention Centre Dublin.
The awards recognise the remarkable achievements of companies working in the export industry. 11 companies won individual category Awards across a range of sectors including Aerogen who took home the Life Sciences Exporter of the Year Award and overall trophy as the Exporter of the Year 2014.
Aerogen is an innovative medical device and drug delivery company specialising in the design, manufacture and marketing of aerosol drug delivery systems, aimed at the critical care respiratory market. Aerogen’s patented OnQ™ aerosol technology is an integral part of its drug delivery systems, the technology allows drugs to be nebulized into a fine particle mist that can be absorbed through the lungs while maintaining drug integrity.
Hugh Kelly, President of the Irish Exporters Association speaking at the Awards Ceremony said: “2014 had been a better year for exporters and that over 80 per cent of exporters were confident of further improvement next year”. He warned however, that “against a backdrop of global financial and economic uncertainty, continued success must not be taken for granted”. He called on the government to continue to pursue efficiencies in the public sector in order to increase national competitiveness and for fairer access to finance. Alluding to the fact that the marginal tax rate for the self-employed is three per cent higher than the rest of society, he called for the introduction of measures that reward rather than penalise business success, to make Ireland “the best small country in the world in which to be an entrepreneur, an employer and an exporter”.
Alan Duffy, CEO and Head of Corporate Banking
HSBC Ireland, commented: “Exports occupy a dominant position in our economy and our own research shows that Irish exporters are looking increasingly confident in the short and medium term. In order to maximise opportunities in the longer term, innovation and diversification will be required, and that is why we are delighted to sponsor these awards, which reward such endeavours. I offer my congratulations to all our winners and our nominees, who are at the forefront of our uniquely open economy.”
