Local Enterprise On Display As Business Minister Visits Offaly

He paid tribute to the work of the Local Enterprise Office in supporting midlands businesses.

Junior Business Minister Damien English paid a visit to Offaly yesterday to inspect the work of the Local Enterprise Office.

The Meath-West Fine Gael TD, who's Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail, met with Offaly County Council officials, along with members of the Offaly LEO team and some of their client companies.

He was greeted at Birr Civic Centre by Leas Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Councillor Tony McCormack; Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney; and Head of Enterprise, Orla Martin.

Minister English was then introduced to this year’s finalists from the Offaly Enterprise Awards before enjoying a demonstration of VEX Robotics by local children.

The Minister then met with LEO team members and members of the Evaluation and Approvals Committee to hear about the work that is ongoing in the county as well as their priorities and future plans.

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 important supports. Our new Regional Enterprise Plans are very much region specific, building on local strengths, and in this regard the LEOs have a hugely important role to play in their success and in helping to drive economic activity here in Offaly.”

Minister English then visited Birr-based LEO client company, Applied Concepts Ltd, which was established in 2007 by Mark Clendennen. The company designs and manufactures high-quality sandblasting machines as well as various blasting parts and accessories and is a market leader in the industry. 

The Minister then travelled to Ferbane to visit Euram Air Leases, a business established by John Odlum, also in 2007. The company specialises in civil aircraft, engine and inventory trading, consignment management and sales.

On the conclusion of his visit to Offaly, Minister English says;

“I am delighted to have visited Offaly to meet with so many enterprising people and hear about their exciting plans. I am regularly impressed with the diversity of businesses that engage with our LEO teams all over the country. Today I met with a local company who are market leaders in the sandblasting industry and another who are successfully trading in the global airline industry. The willingness of businesses like these to grasp opportunities is vital in delivering regional growth and job creation and the Government will continue to support such innovation and ambition to ensure our economic growth.”

More from Midlands News

Download Our App