Press release
Minister English visits Local Enterprise Office and Client Companies in Meath
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, visited his own Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Meath today as part of a series of similar visits by the Minister, who is keen to engage with the LEO teams and their client companies throughout the country.
The Minister was met at Meath County Council Offices in Buvinda House by Deputy Chief Executive, Des Foley, who presented a review of economic development in the county. The Head of Enterprise at Meath LEO, Joe English then briefed the Minister on the work of the LEO including recent highlights as well as their future plans. Further presentations were given on the value of the Local Enterprise Office to SMEs in Meath and on the Boyne Valley Food Initiative.
Minister English said:
"The Local Enterprise Offices play a huge role in supporting our businesses all over the country. Their close relationship with local enterprises has been of vital importance in the last 19 months or so. Their backing and assistance with mentoring, training, upskilling and with other practical supports has been hugely beneficial to businesses here in Meath and I am very thankful to them for that. Now that the economy and society are in recovery mode, Meath LEO are there to provide more valuable support to local businesses as they stabilise and grow."
Minister English also met a number of LEO client companies throughout the day. In Duleek, Alan Jackson of Qualitas Electronics outlined how his company specialises in the manufacture of printed circuit boards and providing consultancy services to the electronics industry worldwide.
At Buvinda House, Minister English also spoke to Eileen and Barry Finnegan about their business, Lvlogics, a high technology company designing and supplying bespoke sensors and measurement equipment to the bulk grain and liquid industries. Dominic McDowall of Cubicle7 Games explained how his multi-award-winning games company develops and markets role-playing games in the Warhammer and Dr. Who series. The Bunnery’s Catriona Callaghan told the Minister how her online cooking school is designed to make cooking fun and is particularly focused on children, but also caters for teens, adults and corporate clients.
Minister English remarked:
"It is very encouraging to see so much entrepreneurial activity throughout the county, and such variety too. In the space of a few hours today, I have spoken to people involved in electronics, logistics, board games, cooking and 3D printing. There is a real energy and desire to thrive among these business owners and entrepreneurs and I am delighted that they are supported by the Local Enterprise Offices as well as numerous other government initiatives and schemes including Regional Enterprise funding. I know that the talent and ability to succeed is in our communities and the government will continue to assist and enable business and encourage entrepreneurship. Job creation and economic growth are vital and from what I have witnessed today in Meath and on recent visits across the country, we have the right kind of people to bring this about."
The Minister travelled to Ashbourne for his final engagement where he visited 3D Printing Ireland. The company was founded by Keith and Jenny Davis and they provide 3D printing, scanning and modelling along with visualisation services to individuals and companies in the engineering, pharmaceutical, film production, architecture and museum industries.
On the conclusion of his engagements Minister English said:
"There is a great understanding of the need for innovation among the businesses visited today. Innovation is nothing new to the county. Innovation is not just driven by bright ideas, innovation is driven by entrepreneurs, who take great ideas and bring them to life as new products, new services and new businesses.
"We can be rightly proud in Meath of our local Small and Medium Enterprises and their entrepreneurial spirit. There are many amazing opportunities to work with local businesses in Meath, which is a great location to start up and scale a business, is home to a highly skilled workforce and a great quality of life."
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) plays a key role in implementing the government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The department has lead responsibility for Irish policy on global trade and inward investment and a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.
For further information please contact Press Office, D/Enterprise, Trade and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200.