More than 150 midlands businesswomen gather for enterprise event

Local Enterprise Office host National Women’s Enterprise Day at historic Crypt at St Mels’s Cathedral

Businesswomen from across Westmeath, Laois, Longford, and Offaly came together in the Crypt in St Mel’s Cathedral to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED). An annual Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative now in its 18th year, there were more than 2,200 attendees at 14 LEO led events across the country.

More than 150 midlands businesswomen attended the event on Thursday October 17 organised by Local Enterprise Offices Westmeath, Laois, Longford, and Offaly.

All speakers on the day were from Longford, including keynote speaker Anne Heraty, founder and former chief executive of CPL Resources PLC. Earlier this year, Anne received the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.

Anne was joined by local ambassador Louise Brennan of Fabiani and Mudshot in Longford. RTÉ midlands correspondent Sinéad Hussey was event MC and facilitated a questions and answer session with the panel of businesswomen.

Attendees were entertained with performances by international soprano Emer Barry, who also shared her experiences of the music industry as a business.

Longford County Council director of services Barbara Heslin opened the event and took part in the panel discussion. An informative tour of the Cathedral was also delivered by Longford-native Kitty Hughes.

With the theme of ‘Making it Happen’, this year’s NWED aimed to encourage businesswomen to grow their business ideas, to take the next steps and to innovate. The day also highlights supports, including funding, mentorship, and training available to female entrepreneurs.

Other NWED events which took place across the country were led by Amiee Connolly of beauty brand Sculpted by Amiee, businesswoman Norah Casey, Chupi Sweetman of jewellery brand Chupi and broadcaster Síle Seoige.

Barbara Heslin said: “This day is a great chance for businesswomen to share the stories of their successes to inspire others and to get a chance to come together. Local businesswomen are doing amazing work, and Longford is proud to host this event in such a unique setting – the first time it has been used for such an event.

“I hope attendees go away from this event having learned more about the financial, mentorship and training supports available to them through their Local Enterprise Office, and we look forward to helping them in their business journeys.”

For the latest news and events, follow LEO Westmeath on social media or visit localenterprise.ie/Westmeath.