LEO Westmeath supported companies created 300 new jobs last year

Companies supported by the Local Enterprise Office Westmeath created over 300 new jobs last year.

According to the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2022, LEO Westmeath supported firms created 303 new jobs, a 21 per cent increase on 2021 when 249 new jobs were created.

The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath supported clients in 2022 was 195, 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 258 small businesses in their portfolio across the county. These companies in turn employ 1484 people.

The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 37,863 jobs across 7,221 companies. In 2022 there were 7,870 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 3,447. This was up 10% nationally on 2021. From the jobs created, 84% were outside of the Dublin region.

Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “These results show the significant role the Local Enterprise Offices are playing in not only creating new businesses and jobs but also in sustaining them.  On the back of some of the most difficult years for small businesses we are still seeing growth across the country.  During the pandemic we saw how essential the LEOs were to small businesses and they will be essential as we navigate the ongoing cost of living and energy crises.

“With 84% of new jobs being created outside of Dublin it reinforces the Government’s strategy to strengthen employment throughout Ireland.  As the remit of the Local Enterprise Offices has now broadened to companies up to 50 employees, even more SMEs will be able to avail of their supports, but also their expertise in growing enterprise in towns and villages across the country.”

Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise for Westmeath County Council, said: “The results 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. Aengus O’Rourke, 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.”

Welcoming the strong employment results, Enterprise Ireland CEO, Leo Clancy said: “These are very positive employment results from the Local Enterprise Offices.  It demonstrates the close relationship that exists between the LEOs and the companies they support and how they are able to navigate a challenging business environment, such as we witnessed in 2022.  Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs are engaged in an exciting work programme to increase alignment between both organisations so that we can better serve businesses at all stages of growth and development and help them to create prosperity and jobs throughout Ireland.  I look forward to continuing to work on that agenda in 2023.”

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.

They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie