'Look for Local' campaign launched in Westmeath

Photo: Minister Robert Troy pictured with Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise at the Westmeath Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

Consumers and businesses in Westmeath are being encouraged to shop local this Christmas and are reminded of the huge range of goods and services they can access on their own doorsteps with a new Government campaign to ‘Look For Local’ launched in the county earlier this week.

The Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy, launched the campaign with the Local Enterprise Office Westmeath to encourage shoppers to ‘Look for Local’ this Christmas following a challenging year for small businesses.

Also present at the launch where Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Cllr Ken Glynn, Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council Pat Gallagher, Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise and Ross O'Colmáin, Enterprise Ireland.

Minister Troy said Ireland’s small businesses are woven into the fabric of our communities; they sponsor our teams, support local events and are central to community life.

"The Look for Local campaign is an opportunity for everyone to support these businesses and think closer to home as we begin our Christmas preparations.

“It’s been a very difficult year for businesses. The Government have assisted thousands of local businesses across the country since the onset of Covid-19 to pivot and change the way they operate.

"I know many Irish businesses in Westmeath have transformed how they provide goods and services through the Business Continuity Voucher and the Trading Online Voucher from the Local Enterprise Offices and are now open for business over the phone or online.

He urged the public to look to local businesses when they can to support local jobs and communities.

The Local Enterprise Office Westmeath 'Look for Local' campaign, which is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, aims to highlight small Westmeath businesses in every sector, by asking that people continue to build on the recent groundswell of support shown to local businesses when looking to buy goods or services.

Since January, the Local Enterprise Offices nationally have approved over 11,000 Trading Online Vouchers for small businesses, helping them to create or adapt their online trading presence.

Over 12,060 Business Continuity Vouchers to small businesses have also been approved so far this year, while over 55,000 people have received Covid-19 specific training or mentoring from their Local Enterprise Office.

In 2019, Local Enterprise Office supported companies created 3,149 new jobs across the country. In total, the Local Enterprise Offices have financially supported over 7,400 companies who support 38,535 jobs in communities right across the country.

Several Local Enterprise Office companies who availed of supports in recent months to help them through the impact of the pandemic were in attendance at the launch in Mullingar. These included Denise Bell of Bell Lane Coffee, Mullingar, Declan Murray of Skyfab, Mullingar, who offer drone Services, Rosie Boles of Burgess, Athlone and David Quirke of Wholesome Kitchen, Mullingar.

These local businesses lost up to 80% of their business when the pandemic hit only to change to an online selling model thanks to a Trading Online Voucher and the Client Stimulus fund from their LEO and who now are getting huge demand online for their products.

Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise, said: “This has been one of the most challenging years for Irish businesses in recent history. The Local Enterprise Offices have been working closely with thousands of companies and entrepreneurs to provide financial and training supports to help them navigate these unprecedented times.

"Now we want to try and encourage more consumers, but also businesses, to look local if they require goods or services. If they are looking online, we want them to see if there is someone local who can help them and to try to support the small businesses and jobs in their local communities. Small businesses across the country have had to pivot or change their models during this year and now more than ever they deserve our support.”

Michael Brougham, Regional Director, Midlands, Mid-East & West, Enterprise Ireland paid tribute to the LEO offices for their role in assisting businesses.

“The Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland have been on the front line of helping businesses throughout this pandemic and have played a significant role in supporting thousands of businesses. The 'Look for Local' campaign is a chance to highlight all local businesses, not just those operating in the retail sector, but in all sectors. Similarly, the campaign will encourage consumers and businesses alike to look locally for their goods and services, supporting local economies across the country,” he commented.

Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council said; “Local authorities are delighted to support the ‘Look for Local’ campaign and all efforts to showcase and celebrate local enterprise.