Over 200 jobs created by LEO Westmeath firms last year
The Local Enterprise Office Westmeath supported companies who created 208 jobs in 2023.
The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath supported clients in 2023 was 145, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
The new figures show that the LEO Westmeath financially supported 270 small businesses in their portfolio across the county these companies in turn employ 1,600 people.
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now financially supporting 38,726 jobs across 7,167 companies. This is the most jobs the Local Enterprise Offices have supported nationally since their inception in 2014.
In 2023, there were 6,640 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 2,131. This was up 6% nationally on 2022. From the jobs created, 82% were outside of the Dublin region.
The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
Minister Neale Richmond said; “I have been fortunate enough to visit many Local Enterprise Offices and I have seen first-hand the superb quality of their mentorship and supports, and the impact they have on the businesses and entrepreneurs they support. These results are a testament to our Local Enterprise Offices; ten consecutive years of job growth is a major accomplishment that reminds us how crucial their support is both for new businesses, but also in helping existing businesses to grow.
“With 82% of new jobs created outside of Dublin, it is clear that our Local Enterprise Offices are supporting businesses right across Ireland. What is also evident is the resilience of Ireland’s fantastic small businesses that have continued to adapt to an ever-changing business environment.
The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2023, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through a large suite of supports. They Local Enterprise Offices offering training and mentoring in a range of areas from financial skills and product innovation to starting your own business and maximising your presence online.
Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise in Westmeath added: “The results announced this week 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.”
Carol Gibbons Head of Regions and Local Enterprise, at Enterprise Ireland said; “2023 was a challenging year for business and these very positive employment results are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the LEO network across the country and the ambitious businesses it supports.
“Key to the success of the LEO network is the close relationship it fosters with both start-up and scaling businesses across communities. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with the LEO network in 2024 to ensure that all businesses can access the support and advice they need to start, grow and win in all markets.”
Cllr. Liam McDaniel, 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 challenges of the current operating environment. The LEO’s provide invaluable assistance to small business.”
The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to https://www.localenterprise.ie/