A total of 100 jobs were created by Local Enterprise Office Waterford-supported companies last year, an increase of seven per cent since 2017.This is the fifth year of employment growth for the Local Enterprise Offices, with 3,656 net jobs created nationwide last year. In 2018 the Local Enterprise Offices worked successfully with 171 of their client companies to help them transfer to Enterprise Ireland along with 796 associated jobs. This was up from 60 companies making the transition in 2017.
Minister Pat Breen, Minister Heather Humphreys and Head of Enterprise LEO Waterford, Richie Walsh at the recent announcement of Local Enterprise Office figures for 2018.
Said Minister Humphreys: “The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are a hugely important part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in this country. They do Trojan work in every county right across the country and these 2018 jobs figures highlight the significant contribution they make to the economy as a whole. This is the 5th year in a row of employment growth for the LEOs, which support our indigenous businesses to create jobs locally. Not only are they helping small businesses to plan, start and grow, but they are also working closely with their 7,164 client companies to minimise their Brexit exposure. The LEOs will continue to play a key role in 2019 and beyond, ensuring that every small business has access to the support it needs. I was delighted to allocate them an additional €5m in Budget 2019 to further support their invaluable work on the ground.”
Minister Breen added: “The Local Enterprise Offices will continue to support our indigenous companies through the provision of one-to-one mentoring, training, specialist workshops and Brexit preparedness supports.”Last year was a particularly strong year, according to Richie Walsh, the Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford.
“These figures highlight the important role that Local Enterprise Office Waterford is playing in creating jobs and sustaining small businesses in the region. The LEOs are the first engagement any entrepreneur or small business owner should have when they want to develop or grow their idea or company. Every day Local Enterprise Offices help small businesses to get off the ground, overcome challenges, hire new staff, fund innovation, prepare for Brexit and plan for the future. The range of supports on offer from the Local Enterprise Office will help anyone seeking to start or grow a small business through highly practical services such as professional business and management training, mentoring, networking opportunities, finance and much more.”
To find out more about the business support services available from Local Enterprise
Office Waterford visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/
