In welcoming the appointment Eoin Costello (CEO Novara IT) stated that it represents an important turning point for Novara. Having grown rapidly over the past three years Novara is now entering a more mature growth phase. With a planned expansion into Europe in 2004, Novara are currently putting in place structures that will underpin the next major growth phase. The help of a mentor will be invaluable in doing this he said. Mr. Costello said that he was delighted that Mary Cryan had been appointed as she has impeccable credentials in the Irish IT industry. He said that Novara are particularly enthusiastic about the fact that a recent Enterprise Ireland survey of those participating in their Mentor Programme exhibited significant benefits from the mentor's involvement. 38% of companies surveyed reported sales increases ranging from 7% to 400% with the average being 92%. 35% of companies recruited new staff since the Mentor's involvement with the average increase being 10 employees per company. A further 21% of companies have increased their export sales by between 5% and 200%. Mr Costello also thanked the Dublin City Enterprise Board for nominating Novara IT to receive assistance from the Enterprise Ireland Mentor Programme. For further details please contact Eoin Costello 1850 668272

The Enterprise Ireland Mentor Programme
Since its inception over ten years ago, the Mentor Network has provided almost 5,000 Irish companies with pragmatic advice and assistance to help them identify and overcome barriers to growth. A survey of companies which have participated in Enterprise Ireland's Mentor Network has shown significant increases in sales, exports and employment as a result of participation. More than 90% of respondents described the Mentor's input as either very important or important. Representatives of sixty companies from the electronics, consumer goods, services, food and general manufacturing sectors were interviewed and the responses were overwhelmingly positive. 38% of companies surveyed reported sales increases ranging from 7% to 400% with the average being 92%. 35% of companies recruited new staff since the Mentor's involvement with the average increase being 10 employees per company. A further 21% of companies have increased their export sales by between 5% and 200%. While not all of these changes can be attributed to the Mentor's influence, some 75% of respondents said that the Mentor's influence had a significant impact. In addition, 42% of the respondents stated that the Mentors had a significant impact on other forms of available assistance through their advice on dealings with banks, state bodies and so on. Mentor Network operates on a referral basis primarily through the company's Development Adviser in Enterprise Ireland or Shannon Development, or through their County Enterprise Board.

Mary Cryan
Mary Cryan has a bachelor of commerce (hons) from UCD and is a former chairperson of the Irish Software Association. She has worked with many of Ireland's leading technology companies including Baltimore Technologies, Norkom and Massana, assisting them to expand and develop their business activities globally. Mary has also developed a number of regional strategies including a strategy for the Northern Ireland technology industry. She contributes at board level to many high-tech companies and is Chairperson of the Mentor Programme.