As signs of a recovery in the Euro zone emerge, further encouragement can be taken from the levels of entrepreneurship on display in 2013.

So far this year, a total of 15,789 individuals have become the director of an Irish company for the first time.

This figure is no doubt aided by a return to pre-recession levels of company start-ups with 9,626 companies formed so far this year (up 10.3% on the same period in 2012)

The average age of a first time director in 2013 is 42 years old with 61% being male and 39% female.

Added to the positive news regarding first time directors and company start-ups we have also seen 12,625 businesses registered in Ireland this year.

10,864 of these have been set up by an individual with the remaining 1,761 being registered by partnerships (a partnership can be made up of two or more individuals or an individual and a corporate body).

A business name is required when and individual or a partnership trade under a name different to their true name/s.