The Local Enterprise Office in Waterford celebrates 10th anniversary

The Local Enterprise Office in Waterford marked its 10th anniversary with a special feature on WLR’s Deise Today.

The LEO marked the occasion with an hour of interviews on WLR fm, hosted by Damien Tiernan. As well as LEO staff members the panel included Mark Bergin of Coffeehouse Lane, Margaret Fleming of Dessert First, Liam Murray of Marli Products and Stephanie Wickham of ExPat Taxes.

They all spoke about the growth of their businesses and the impact the Local Enterprise Office had on their development.

Stephanie Wickham expressed her thanks for all the help the team at the LEO gave her over the last few years,

“We managed to evolve and grow from a local tax practice to an international consultancy service with clients all over the world.”

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise in the Local Enterprise Office commented on the development of the Office over the years,

“The supports available to Irish micro -enterprises from the Local Enterprise Offices in 2014 supported a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, providing essential financial backing, basic training, and mentorship.

“Over the last ten years, the remit of the LEO and these foundational supports have been expanded and specialised significantly, reflecting a much stronger focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and scaling opportunities to aid Irish micro, small and medium-enterprises to grow and thrive in a local, national and globalised market.

“Supports are also now provided in areas like digital transformation, reducing carbon footprint, export readiness, and sector-specific innovation, and the LEO can support eligible businesses up to 50 employees.”

Martin Hamm and Liam Murray of Marli Products in studio with Jacqui Gaule, senior business advisor with Local Enterprise Office, Waterford and Damien Tiernan of WLR fm.

The Local Enterprise Office has assisted in the creation of over 1,200 jobs in the 10 years of its existence and provided over €6.5 million in grant aid to Waterford SMEs. It has trained over 15,000 employees and hosted over 1,200 training events.

Its value to the economy during the last 10 years is incalculable as its trainers and mentors are predominantly local, as are the website designers and consultants used for the 872 Trading Online Vouchers granted to Waterford businesses. 

The trickle-down effect of this investment in the local economy cannot be underestimated.

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Gareth added,

“The Local Enterprise Office Waterford has always been the ‘first stop shop’ for anyone thinking about starting or growing a business in Waterford.

“Despite significant changes in the business landscape since the inception of the LEOs in 2014, Local Enterprise Office Waterford remains committed to serve as a central player in Waterford's overarching economic agenda for job creation, while also maintaining a tight-knit relationship with the local business ecosystem.

“We look forward to building an even brighter future for entrepreneurship in Waterford over the next 10 years.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.