LEO supported Westmeath firms created 250 jobs in 2021

Firms financially supported by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath created 249 jobs last year, new figures have revealed.

The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath supported clients in 2021 was 181 which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland. In 2021 there were 131 transfers nationally by Local Enterprise Office companies to Enterprise Ireland.

The new figures show that the LEO Westmeath financially supported 254 small businesses in their portfolio across the county and these companies in turn employ 1272 people.

The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 35,729 jobs across 7,158 companies. In 2021 there were 7,440 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 2,999. This was up 9% nationally on 2020. From those figures, 85% of those employed in LEO supported companies are outside the Dublin region.

The LEOs also provide other substantially funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro along with training and mentoring. In 2021 1,812 participants attended training programmes/seminars with 456 participants availing of individual mentoring assignments.

Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise, LEO Westmeath said; “The results announced are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced. The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses but there is renewed optimism. We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish. This year will be no different and as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country.”

Cllr Frankie Keena, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council said; “The Local Enterprise Office plays a major role in local authority efforts towards supporting and sustaining enterprise and economic development in Westmeath. The supports and advice LEOs offer make a real difference to the businesses that avail of them. LEOs have put in huge efforts to help businesses to adapt to the challenge of Covid and Brexit and the current operating environment, in particular, to move online and sustain their enterprises. The LEO’s provide invaluable assistance to small business.”

For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices Westmeath go to www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath