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Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, visited the Westmeath Local Enterprise Office (LEO) today where he met with council officials and members of the LEO team as well as some of their client companies – SME’s who are the heartbeat of the local economy.
Minister English was greeted at County Hall by Westmeath County Council’s Chief Executive Pat Gallagher who was joined by Director of Services, Barry Kehoe and Head of Enterprise, Christine Charlton. He also met with the LEO team, members of the Evaluation Committee and was briefed about the work of the team in the county and their future plans for enterprise development. Local Minister of State, Peter Burke, joined Minister English on his visit in Mullingar.
Minister English said:
"The importance of the LEO network to local businesses cannot be overstated. They provide a vital service in supporting companies whether it is through training, mentoring or with other vital supports. The Westmeath LEO was a vital lifeline to local businesses during the pandemic and it will now play an even more important role in providing advice and guidance as companies seek to diversify or to grow and expand."
Minister English then travelled to nearby Lough Sheever Corporate Park where he met with husband and wife team, John and Maria O'Reilly of Strikebox Engineering. The company are an established reputable fabricator of bespoke stainless-steel solutions for the international market. Their products are used in biopharma, technology, medical devices, food processing and related manufacturing industries.
The Minister’s next stop was Mullingar Business Park where he met with another husband and wife team, Conor Cochrane and Sarah Kiernan who run a number of successful companies involved in online marketing, web design, app creation and digital campaigns as well as Kash Beauty Ltd.
Minister English concluded his visit at Sugar Plum Sweetery and Wholesome Kitchens where he met another husband and wife team, Denise Buckley and David Quirke. Denise explained to Minister English how her newly opened sweetery business offers bespoke, handmade chocolates and sweet options to create special gifts for special occasions.
David Quirke told the Minister about Wholesome Kitchens and their focus on serving delicious, nutritious and healthy foods. The business also offers services providing healthy meal plans online and in store aimed at those that want to eat healthier, lose weight or bulk up.
On the conclusion of his visit the Minister English said:
"I was delighted to be in Westmeath today and to meet with three enterprising couples and to learn about their businesses. I am impressed with the diversity of business that engage with the Westmeath LEO teams all around the country. Mullingar is full of entrepreneurial spirit and there is a willingness by local businesses and their talented teams to grasp opportunities that help ensure regional growth and job creation. Through the LEOs, and other agencies and supports, the government will continue to support innovation and ambition in our business community in order to ensure that our economy will continue to grow and thrive."