Ireland Continues to Lead the Way in Shared Services

The Shared Services Sector in Ireland is a key strategic component of our economy with over 100 Centres employing 35,000 people.  Ireland not only offers an educated skilled workforce, excellent track record of reputable service centres, a flexible workforce and favourable business environment but it also facilitates industry collaboration to ensure Ireland continues to perform well and remains an attractive location for further investment in the Global Shared Services sector.

Rory Mullen, Manager Globally Traded Business, IDA Ireland

The ongoing collaboration between Irish-based Global Shared Services companies continues to ensure Ireland plays a leading international role in the development of the Shared Services Sector, according to speakers at the Shared Services Centre (SSC) Forum today (8th December 2009). 

The forum, which took place in the Conrad Hotel, was attended by key international players such as Apple, Whirlpool, SAP and McAfee along with several indigenous companies. The group is the leading industry representative body in Ireland for global business centres, and works to encourage the sharing of learning and experiences. Liaising closely with government agencies including IDA Ireland, it focuses on networking and collaboration in areas of best international practice, to ensure Ireland remains at the leading edge of global standards.

Today’s event highlighted the importance of ensuring Ireland is favourably positioned internationally through the use of Benchmarking.  Speaking at the event, the forum Chairman Tony Breen, who is also Director of Shared Services for PepsiCo Ireland, said: “Shared Services organisations are facing many challenges as they continue to evolve.  The use of Benchmarking is increasingly being adopted by Shared Services Centres to ensure that their operating model remains competitive.  Today’s meeting brings together established experts in benchmarking to share current insights and practices with the members of the forum. Already many Irish centres have won significant corporate mandates to design and own global functions, ensuring they are central to the future of the company’s international business”.

Speaking at the event Rory Mullen, Manager Globally Traded Business, IDA Ireland said: “The Shared Services Sector in Ireland is a key strategic component of our economy with over 100 Centres employing 35,000 people.  Ireland not only offers an educated skilled workforce, excellent track record of reputable service centres, a flexible workforce and favourable business environment but it also facilitates industry collaboration to ensure Ireland continues to perform well and remains an attractive location for further investment in the Global Shared Services sector”.

For further information:

IDA Ireland: Gillian Lawless, Press Officer, Tel: 01-6034190. Mob:  087 9050699
IDA Ireland: Joan McKevitt, Globally Traded Business Division, Tel: 01-6034049