A jam-packed week of workshops, talks and seminars came to a close last week as Local Enterprise Week concluded on International Women’s Day (March 8th) Organised each year by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices across the country, the Waterford LEO provided an insightful and informative programme for businesses at all stages.According to Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise at Waterford LEO, Local Enterprise Week is a cornerstone event in the LEO’s annual programme.
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“With almost 20 events taking place throughout the city and county we were delighted with the attendance and the calibre of speakers throughout the week,” he said. “It was also a wonderful opportunity to meet with clients and potential clients who have started or may be thinking of starting a business. The energy from the attendees was palpable and we would like to think that the information and advice they received during the week will give them the encouragement and drive to go on and realise the next step in their start-up journey.”
From business advice clinics to sales pitch workshops and trading online seminars, all the events were fully attended with lively attendee engagement.The inaugural event of Local Enterprise Week was an Owner-Manager Development information and recruitment workshop. The workshop gave owners and managers, planning the next stage of their business the chance to learn about the upcoming Owner Manager Development Programme. Delivered by Blaise Brosnan, a practical top management specialist the programme consists of 15 modules which combine management theory, powerful peer learning, networking and action learning approaches.
“We were delighted that 10 local businesses signed up for the nine-month programme, following the recruitment workshop. To date this programme has assisted hundreds of Owner-Managers across Ireland to significantly improve their businesses, by helping those companies to get stabilised, ready for growth and increase competitiveness.” Seanie Walsh, a 25-year-old social media strategist and disruptor brought his energetic “The E-Commerce Maze” workshop to Dooley’s Hotel. Entrepreneurs were given a masterclass in unearthing the social media landscape and adopting techniques and strategies to help their businesses grow.
A Wholesale and Retail Strategy for Craft Workshop was a new addition to Waterford’s Local Enterprise Week programme. Delivered by Eddie Shanahan, a renowned fashion and craft retail consultant, this workshop proved hugely popular as attendees were given useful advice and tips to develop effective sales strategies within the craft industry.
Richie Walsh added: “As we look back on Local Enterprise Week we are always heartened by the drive and determination displayed by Waterford’s business community. Quietly and diligently, there are hundreds of start-ups and established businesses working day in and day out to grow their client base, create jobs and develop new export markets. “In 2018 100 jobs were created by Local Enterprise Office Waterford supported companies, an increase of seven per cent since 2017. We are, each day, inspired working with entrepreneurs and business that have the vision to create new opportunities and the determination to “Make It Happen.”
If your business in pre-start, start-up or established business phase and would like to find out more about what business support services are available visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/