The value of monthly payments processed by Irish e-commerce transactions company Realex grew by 45pc from €538 million in January last year to €781 million in January 2010.
January is traditionally a busy a month for Realex Payments, with many airlines having seat sales, people planning holidays, and paying annual bills, such as insurance, motor tax and college applications.
Online charity donations were also much higher in January as a direct result of the earthquake in Haiti.
In the weeks after the tragedy, Realex Payments have processed donations valued in excess of €5 million.
Realex Payments provides online payment processing services to Irish and international clients. The values processed in January 2010 grew by 19pc for Irish businesses – €438 million up from €368 million for the same month last year.
Values processed for the UK market were up 112pc and international values up 55pc. This reflects Realex Payments’ internationalisation strategy as it expands its operations overseas.
“These figures are very positive and they prove that the online channel remains a real growth opportunity for Irish businesses and also that Irish businesses such as Realex can participate in overseas online markets,” Realex Payments CEO and founder Colm Lyon explained.
By John Kennedy
Photo: Colm Lyon, founder and CEO of Realex Payments