01.07.09

Realex Payments announced today that the month of June has been a record month in terms of new business applications for online payment processing.  A total of 110 new businesses signed up with the company during the month of June, up 38% on previous months.

In the current climate it is very clear that the internet is a vital channel for Irish businesses that is continuing to grow in importance – month on month.

Realex Payments CEO, Colm Lyon said “recessions can often be the catalyst for entrepreneurs to start their own business. In many respects it’s the ideal time to start a business. What we have witnessed last month is really encouraging, 110 news businesses seized the opportunity and signed up with Realex Payments to start selling online.”

More and more consumers are bargain hunting online and as a direct result online retailing is the most popular choice for budding entrepreneurs. Realex Payments has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of e-retailers signing up to their service and of the 110 clients signed, 25% are e-retailers 
operating in the online marketplace.”

The clients signed by the Company this month are selling various items online including jewellery, IT supplies, alarm systems, party supplies and so on. Nothing is too big or small to sell online!

Lyon continued; “Selling online is a very cost effective way to start a business, little capital investment is needed, you just need invest in a website. From our perspective, we introduced a specific SME rate to enable start up companies to seize the online opportunity, which costs just €29 per month, less than most people spend on their mobile phone bill!”

As well as this increase in the numbers of businesses selling online, Realex Payments has also noted a significant increase in the value of its monthly processing. In June Realex Payments processed over €540 million worth of payments, an increase of over €60 million on the figures for May. Lyon commented “that these highly impressive figures show that both new businesses selling online for the first time and existing businesses are benefitting from increase online market growth and reach”.

Key Highlights;

- 110 new businesses signed with Realex Payments in June – up 38%

- The value of the global business that Realex Payments processed in June increased by €60m to €540m.

- 25% of those new businesses are e-retailers.

- Key items being sold online by companies: hand crafted jewellery, IT supplies, party supplies, alarm systems, last minute holiday deals, and electrical goods.

- Due to the continued growth of the online market, the company is recruiting and has 9 vacancies advertised on its website.

For further information or clarification please contact:

Tracy Glynn, Head of Business Development - Global SME, Realex Payments, Landline: 01- 2808 559