In this column, Kehlan looks ahead to 2017 and earmarks some of the Irish businesses to look out for in the next 12 months.

Last year saw nearly 21,000 new companies registered in Ireland. While there were many great start-ups to talk about here are some that stood out for me as ones to watch.

Lottie Dolls

Another former interviewee for this column, Lottie Dolls recently received a €1m investment from the Davy EII Tax Relief Fund just days before Christmas. The significant investment means that it can now expand quicker into the global market with its dolls.

Designed to show young girls role models, like doctors or adventurers, Lottie Dolls has grown significantly since 2010 and has even had one of its dolls on the International Space Station for eight-and-a-half months. It also lets girls design their own dolls. They have developed and are looking to introduce a bigger range of dolls for the coming year. As well as that they are looking to double their workforce — to 20 people — this year.

Credit// Keelan Kirwan at the Irish Examiner