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LEO announces Glas Award winners!

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford celebrates this year’s Glas Award winners, DHB Architects and Clem Jacob Hire

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council recognise and celebrate the micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business models. None more so than DHB Architects and Clem Jacob Hire.

The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year, open to all with employees of 10 or less was won by DHB Architects, who impressed the judges with, “The conscientious way in which the business not only prioritises sustainable practices in its own company, but also in the work it does for its clients.”

The Green SME of the Year, open to those between 11 and 50 employees was won by Clem Jacob Hire. The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entries, saying, “The standard of entries this year is only matched by the innovation they all brought to their sustainable practices. These companies are an inspirations to businesses in Waterford and beyond.”

DHB Architects has refurbished and continuing to invest in its existing ‘protected structured building’ for use as its offices in Waterford City centre thus supporting sustainable town centre first policies. The heating system in the building does not use fossil fuels, lights are all LED and the business uses two fully electric cars for office use to bring staff to sites that are not accessible by public transport. The company recently won national awards for work in sustainable regeneration of buildings and town centres.

Clem Jacob Hire’s entire fleet of machines are now running on HVO fuel (Hydro treated vegetable oil ) instead of diesel. Where possible a big part of its hire fleet is now hybrid, thus runs on battery & HVO. The company has a bank of solar panels planned for its workshop which will produce power for charging the hybrid machines. All company cars are now electric & will be charged by power produced with solar panels. It even collects rain water for power washing its machines.

Waterford City and County Mayor Cllr. Jason Murphy spoke at the event and presented the trophies, saying, “These businesses are all leaders in their sector. Even getting shortlisted for these awards is a fantastic recognition for them and a reflection on how farsighted they are.

“I’m sure it’s this awareness that drives them to invest in sustainable policies within their business. Waterford City and County Council understands this and that is why it has focused so much on environmental policies over the past number of years and will continue to do so in the future.”

Clem Jacob was thrilled to win, “Our green and sustainable practices are more than just window dressing. They are integral to every part of our business. It’s more than just the ‘right thing to do’, the policies we’ve implemented and changes we’ve made to the running of the business really save money, in the short term as well as the long term. Getting an award for these practices is a wonderful endorsement of everything we do.”

Each winner received a cash prize of €2,500 and a Glas trophy, designed and created by Brendan O’Donnell. The awards have been solely made from reclaimed and recycled materials. Solid oak is from cabinet drawers, while the plastic is a mix of milk bottles, lids from drinks containers from a cafe and hygiene product drums from a dairy farm.

Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans was delighted with the quality of entries for the awards, “Looking at the shortlist for this year’s awards we have such an impressive and diverse collection of businesses in Waterford, from the arts and design to products, plant and spirits. It’s a true reflection of how dynamic the Waterford business offering is.

“The Local Enterprise Office created these awards to promote sustainability in business in Waterford. They also promote what the LEO is offering businesses, showcase what is currently happening in the county, rewards those who are investing in their own and everyone’s future and most importantly they encourage others to do likewise.

“The LEO wants to show other businesses that investment in this area is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing too, for every business. Every finalist today will tell you that they have reaped the benefits of their investment, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. We want these awards to grow and have more and more entries every year.”

For further information on the Glas and other Local Enterprise Office Awards, follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie 

Glas Awards Launched!

Glas Awards 2024

Local Enterprise Office, Waterford launches the 2nd Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business model.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy, these awards will showcase what Waterford business is doing to adopt sustainability policies, in a practical sense.

The awards are open to small and medium sized businesses based in Waterford County. The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year is open to all with employees of 10 or less, while the Green SME of the Year is open to those between 11 and 50 employees.

The Mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green targets, “Waterford City and County Council adopted its Climate Action Plan in February 2024. The plan sets out how the Council will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and in the services that we provide to the people of Waterford. Climate will be a consideration in all Council projects going forward from looking at energy efficiency to reducing waste. Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards will highlight and reward the businesses who have started to play their part.”

Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

Gareth Evans is looking forward to seeing what work has been completed in the last 12 months, “We were thrilled with the level of entries in the first year of these awards. I am sure this year we will see even more entries. The quality of projects last year was really good, so this year’s applicants have a lot to live up to, but we know it will be very competitive and even better this year.

“Companies across Waterford County continue to make an extraordinary contribution and commitment towards growing a greener future. I really hope that these awards will demonstrate to all companies what can be done to improve sustainability for all businesses in Waterford and challenge each one of us to continue on our green journey to not only benefit future generations, but to improve our businesses now and participate fully in the green economy.”

Gráinne Kennedy is optimistic for the future, “Waterford business is taking on the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their operations, to make Waterford a sustainable place to work and do business. The Glas Awards is a great opportunity to showcase all that these businesses are doing”

The entry portal https://bit.ly/GlasAwards is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 6th September 2024. The Glas Awards Final which will be held in Grow HQ, Waterford City on 1st October 2024.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

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Photo by Patrick Browne:  Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Gareth Evans and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy.

Minister Higgins visits Local Enterprise office in Waterford

Minister of State for Employment Affairs and Retail Business, Emer Higgins T.D., visited the Waterford Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) last Thursday May 2nd.

This was the Minister’s first visit to a Local Enterprise Office. On arrival the Minister was greeted by Deputy Mayor, Declan Doocey, Head of Enterprise, Gareth Evans and Senior Enterprise Development Officer Jacqui Gaule. The Minister was then introduced to council officials and members of the LEO team as well as some of their client companies.

Minister Higgins said:

“I am delighted to visit the Waterford Local Enterprise Office and meet with the LEO teams and their clients. This is my first opportunity to visit a Local Enterprise Office as Minister for State and it is a pleasure to see the hard work that is happening on the ground and to see first hand the work the LEOs and the Department are doing to support these businesses.”

The Minister was then introduced to LEO clients who were invited in to showcase their businesses. Mark Bergin of Coffeehouse Lane explained how they sell their own artisan manufactured, ethically sourced premium hand-roasted coffee through independent retail stores, the food service sector and SuperValu. Coffeehouse Lane were the winners of a Waterford Glas Awards in 2023.

Minister Higgins then met Stephanie Wickham of ExPat Ltd., who specialise in international tax advice across multiple jurisdictions. ExPat Taxes were the overall winner of the LEO Waterford Digital Awards in 2023 and will represent Waterford at this year’s National Enterprise Awards which are taking place in the Mansion House later this month.

The Minister was introduced to silversmith Gene O’Shea who specialises in quality, handmade pure silver jewellery.  Each piece is designed and created by Gene and is hallmarked at Dublin Castle.  Minister Higgins then spoke with Tony Hayes of the Irish Handmade Glass Company. They specialise in coloured, mouth blown and hand-cut crystal and their products range from tableware to lighting and decorative ornaments to jewellery.  They also work with leading companies designing corporate awards and gifts for events.

The Minister met with Keith Molloy of Molloy’s Butchers Ardkeen, also a winner at the 2023 Waterford Glas Awards. The company deliver produce in reusable crates with no single use cardboard or plastics accepted with all packaging either 100% home compostable or infinitely recyclable. Molloy’s encourage their customers to bring their own reusable containers and offer an incentive of 25% off to encourage this practice.

Minister Higgins then spoke with Dermot Harrington and Ken O’Shea of Reso Health.  The company are developing a platform to provide precision nutrition for professionals in the workplace.  This platform will combine an onsite dispenser with an employee-controlled app to deliver a range of nutritional supplements targeted specifically to the user.

The Minister finished her visit with a short walk to Strong Roots Jewellery where she met owner Michelle Dunne, an artist and metalworker who creates bespoke jewellery. Using the Celtic Tree Calendar as her inspiration her jewellery is based on the strong roots that shape us, nature, family, friends and hobbies.

On the conclusion of her visit, Minister Higgins said:

“The hard work of the LEO office here in the Waterford can be seen in every business I have met today. It is fantastic to see that the strategy of my Department and the LEO Network has helped create an environment in which these business can thrive.”

Greenfeed wins the 3rd annual Pitch Perfect competition

LEO Pitch Perfect 2024

Greenfeed is the successful 2024 Waterford Pitch Perfect business. The announcement was made by Jacqui Gaule, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

Greenfeed has created a new animal feed additive which will dramatically reduce methane emissions from ruminant species (such as cattle) currently farmed in Ireland. Animal methane emissions are the largest single producer of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland accounting for 24% of all emissions released each year.

Michael Power of Greenfeed really enjoyed the process and was delighted to become the overall winner, “The competition was very enjoyable, particularly to see so many wonderful home-grown business ideas. The entire group learned from the process and for me, winning the overall pitch competition was just a bonus.

“Greenfeed will allow the Irish government to reach its climate targets and decrease the penalties it would be subject to, removing the need for a mass cull of the national herd. Greenfeed’s solutions will allow farmers greater autonomy over their farms, including the size of their herd and their day-to-day activities, while also being incredibly beneficial for the environment”.

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Waterford, ArcLabs Research and Innovation Centre and Boxworks joined forces to deliver this Start Up Competition for those with an innovative business idea or those already in business trading less than 18 months.

Participants, limited to those based in Waterford, were guided through the initial stages of developing their idea/business. Then successful applicants were selected for a Business Boot camp where they perfected their pitch before presenting to panel of judges.

The bootcamp was delivered by the Entrepreneurs Academy on April 26th & 27th. The winner received €1,000 in prize money and a desk space for 6 months as part of the LEO Desk Programme in collaboration with Boxworks. All participants were offered mentoring as part of our LEO Mentoring programme.

Jacqui Gaule was impressed with the quality of entries, “This marks the third year of our Pitch Perfect competition, and we were truly impressed by the quality of applications we received. The participants who took part in the programme collaborated exceptionally well and the calibre of the pitches was outstanding. It’s inspiring to witness the influx of fresh ideas and emerging businesses from Waterford.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.

Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for information about its programs and grants, on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all its training support information.

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Expat Taxes wins Waterford National Enterprise Award

National Enterprise Award Winner_Waterford 2024

Expat Taxes Ltd., a Waterford company specialising in tax for expatriates has been named as Waterford’s Enterprise Award winner and will go on to represent Waterford at the 24th National Enterprise Awards which will take place in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday May 23rd 2024.

The announcement was made as part of the Local Enterprise Office’s Local Enterprise Week at the Mayor’s Parlour on Friday March 8th.

Expat Taxes Ltd. is a boutique Irish tax practice that simplifies taxes for people moving to or from Ireland. As Chartered Tax Advisers and Chartered Accountants with over 15 years’ experience they are experts in expatriate tax. It offers tax advisory and tax compliance services. Its aim is to make taxes less stressful and to help its clients navigate the complex work of international tax.

The aim of the National Enterprise Awards is to spotlight, showcase, encourage and support a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship in our communities in Ireland, to promote entrepreneurship and to celebrate the achievement of the core client portfolio of the LEOs.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway who presented the award was impressed with the winner, saying, “Expat Taxes represents the new outward looking Waterford. As our city and county continues to grow, progress and attract investment, companies such Expat provide a valuable and seamless service to those thinking of locating to Waterford and Ireland.

“I’d like to wish Stephanie and her team the best of luck as they go on to represent Waterford at the National Enterprise Finals.”

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford, congratulated the winners, “The National Enterprise Awards are very much a benchmark for excellence for small businesses across the country.  Expat Taxes has demonstrated its calibre, innovation and resourcefulness and is a very deserving winner of the Waterford award. To be so successful after just a few shorts years in business is a real achievement and I’m sure they will go on to represent us well on the national stage.”

Stephanie Wickham, owner, was obviously delighted to win the award, “After winning the Waterford Digital Award last year we know how important they can be for our profile. We’re really looking forward to representing Waterford on the national stage in May and would like to thank the team at the LEO for all their help over the years.”

The other four finalists in the Waterford NEAs were:

  • Euro Tachograph Solutions Ltd
  • CMC Hygea Ltd
  • Reso Health Ltd
  • Uoto Ltd

The Waterford Enterprise Awards took place as part of a very successful Local Enterprise Week programme of events.  There were over 300 events which took place across the country, run by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices from March 4th to 8th.

Stiúideo Shortcourse wins Student Enterprise Awards

Stiúideo Shortcourse wins Student Enterprise Awards

Maebh Dimond from Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge wins Best Student Enterprise in Waterford and qualifies for the National Student Enterprise Finals.

Stiúideo Shortcourse, winner of the Senior award, created, produced and sold local greeting cards providing creative new designs in Irish with recycled materials and crisp card designs for special occasions. Stiúideo Shortcourse’s key focal point is promoting the Irish language through sustainable sources. Maebh, from Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge took part in the Local Enterprise Office’s Student Enterprise Awards on Tuesday March 5th at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City.

The Waterford Student Enterprise Programme started in September with 1,000 students from 14 schools in Waterford City and County. They created their businesses, developed, branded, promoted and sold. But most importantly they learned what it felt like to run their own business.

Finally, 100 students represented 11 schools in Waterford County and competed in the Waterford Student Enterprise Final on Tuesday March 5th at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City. 36 businesses in total, shortlisted from a total of 350 who commenced the competition in September, presented their business plans and challenged for the top prize in the county section of the Student Enterprise Programme. Stiúideo Shortcourse will represent Waterford at the National Finals on May 9th, taking on 34 other businesses, the best of the rest of the country.

Co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, the final took place during Local Enterprise Week. The competition is the most successful programme of its kind in the country. 27,000 budding entrepreneurs from 380 secondary schools across the country have been running their own enterprises, with help from their teachers and Local Enterprise Offices.

National finalists from all over the country will set-up enterprise exhibition displays before taking part in a series of judging interviews.  The judging panels take numerous factors into account, such as business reporting, innovation, market research, risk management and finances.

Praising the teachers and local schools involved in the programme, Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, said: “The Student Enterprise Programme encourages and enables students to take on the world of business and develop an entrepreneurial mind-set. By fostering an enterprising culture in the classroom, the Local Enterprise Offices are working with teachers and schools to help nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Further information about May’s National Finals is available through www.studententerprise.ie, which also has free resources and video tutorials for students and teachers for the 2023/2024 programme.

For more information, please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 35 the Mall in Waterford City or Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively, you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .

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Local Enterprise Office Waterford announces programme for Local Enterprise Week 2024

Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a programme of 14 events across 5 days during Local Enterprise Week 2024, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 4th to March 8th.

This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature a host of informative and engaging workshops, seminars, presentations and advice clinics aimed at local businesses, whether in pre-start, start-up or as an established business looking to grow.

You can learn from the experts in finance, marketing, social media, A.I. and photography. You can create digital opportunities for business, audit your website and source funding.

A key event in this packed programme is the ever popular ‘Social Media Mash-Up’, taking place on Thursday March 7th from 10am to 12.30. Hosted by Teresanne O’Reilly it features digital marketing expert Muriel Foley of MGFD; Stephanie Wickham of Expat Taxes, winner of last year’s Digital Marketing Awards; Kevin Doolan, Director of Innovation at Walton Institute for Information and Communication Systems Science and Paul Dower, founder of Waterford in your pocket.

Tuesday March 5th celebrates the future of enterprise in Waterford with the Student Enterprise Programme County final in the Tower Hotel. 42 businesses from 12 schools will compete on the day for a place at the National Finals in May.

Later in the week the Local Enterprise Office celebrates International Women’s Day with a Dungarvan Chamber event on Thursday evening and a Networking Breakfast event on the Friday morning in the Viking Hotel.

Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford Gareth Evans is looking forward to his first Enterprise Week, “This year’s Local Enterprise Week programme has something for everyone, whatever phase your business is in, or whatever sector your business is in.  The range of events and the calibre of speakers and facilitators have been specifically chosen by the team here in Waterford to address, with practical insight, what is required in achieving your business goals.

“The Local Enterprise Offices are tasked with assisting start-ups and small businesses to “Make it Happen”, each office strives to give these businesses the opportunities and resources to unleash their potential and make the path to growth as unhindered as possible. They also give those thinking of starting or expanding a business access to the full range of supports provided by State bodies and expert third parties, and that cross pollination is well reflected in the 2024 Local Enterprise Week programme.

“Waterford Local Enterprise Office is delighted to work in conjunction with various key business support organisations and state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Dungarvan Chamber and Waterford Chamber of Commerce to provide a programme that gives start-ups and small businesses opportunities to help them on the path to growth.”

To register for Local Enterprise Week events taking place in Waterford city and county from March 4th to 8th, visit https://www.localenterprise.ie/!AK56SFMost events are completely free of charge while some have a nominal booking fee.  As with every year, many of the events are expected to book up quickly so early booking is strongly advised.

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Big plans for Waterford designers at Showcase 2024

Waterford’s craft and design industry will have strong representation at this year’s Showcase Creative Expo, which takes place from January 21st to 23rd 2024 in The RDS in Dublin.

Running for over forty years, Showcase has an impressive track record in attracting Ireland’s most talented makers and designers, along with buyers from over twenty countries. It offers the chance to explore the best of Ireland’s creativity from over 450 exhibitors including leading Irish designers and manufacturers and the very best emerging home-grown creative talent.

Four craft and design companies will be showcasing the very best of Waterford creativity, design and innovation, with the assistance of Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

 

Fiona Fahy, Feed Me Mother

Feed Me Mother is Ireland’s first sustainable breastfeeding and maternity clothes brand. It’s dedicated to empowering breastfeeding mothers to look and feel stylish and comfortable. The idea came to its founder Fiona after the birth of her first child in 2017, “Sustainable clothing that supports mothers in their postpartum journey is very important to me. I wanted a breastfeeding wardrobe that reflected my own style and personality, that was comfortable but gave me the confidence to feed freely, anywhere I wanted. And I knew I couldn’t be alone in feeling this way.”

 

Lynn Shead, Natures Alchemy

Natures Alchemy offers natural skincare products with a herbal medicine twist. All products are infused with organic herbs and flowers to add extra layers of healing and protection to your skincare routine. Founder Lynn is looking forward to the opportunity Showcase provides, “I’m very excited to attend Showcase in January for the first time with Waterford Local Enterprise office. Really looking forward to seeing all the other amazing Irish businesses on show, meeting small business friends in person there as well as finding new stockists that will bring Natures Alchemy to new parts of the country.”

 

Kayleigh Sutton, Phat Poly

Kayleigh is a self-taught Maximalist Jewellery Designer, creating handcrafted colourful and fun jewellery in her home studio, which is located in Tramore in Co. Waterford. Phat Poly, creates eye-catching and kitsch earrings that were lightweight and guaranteed not to cause skin irritations. Commenting on her business, “What I love about how I run my business is how often I get to play with ideas and create new designs. Unlike mainstream jewellery brands, you can find new Phat Poly designs most months! This keeps things fresh and exciting for me and my customers.”

 

Kim Whyte, Pawpear

Pawpear exists to connect people through the slow art of the handwritten message. Its exquisitely colourful stationery is designed and made in Ireland, and inspired by its richness of culture, nature and heritage. Founder Kim plans to make the most of Showcase, “As a new brand it’s hugely important to have face-to-face discussions with customers, build relationships and get feedback on our product, pricing and packaging.  Showcase Ireland will hopefully help me meet lots of interesting retailers face-to-face rather than by email or over the phone.”

 

Working in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) around the country set up a dedicated area within Showcase every year – the Local Enterprise Showcase – enabling up to 100 designers, manufacturers and craftspeople to sell directly to international buyers.

Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor at LEO Waterford said that Showcase is an invaluable stepping stone to any craft-maker or designer getting an audience with potential clients.  “With buyers from Ireland, Europe, the USA and Asia, Showcase is truly established as the must-see trade event.  For anyone in the fashion, jewellery, home or giftware business the event offers exposure to new international markets.

“Not only is their place subsidised by the LEO, in advance of the expo the businesses will avail of training and briefing days in order to help them perfect their pitch and give them the tools, advice and insights to take full advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

If your business is in pre-start, start-up or established business phase and would like to find out more about what business support services are available from LEO Waterford visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ or call to LEO Waterford offices at 35, The Mall, Waterford or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan.

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Photo:  Karen Dempsey Photography

Fiona Fahy of Feed Me Mother, Lynn Shead of Natures Alchemy, Jamie Whitty LEO Business Advisor, Kim Whyte of Pawpear and Cayleigh Sutton of Phat Poly. 

New Head of Enterprise at LEO Waterford

“I hope my experience in building relationships will enable the Local Enterprise Office to play a key role.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford has a new Head of Enterprise. Gareth Evans, who joined the LEO and started in his new role on November 6th brings a wealth of expertise in enterprise and economic development with him.

With 20 years’ experience working in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, Gareth is looking forward to this new challenge, “Every role and every organisation brings a new set of opportunities and challenges, but I find it always revolves around people. Waterford as a City and Council is on the cusp of some remarkable developments, but this is on the back of years of work by those who have strived to bring Waterford to this stage. The indigenous business community, the multinationals who have made this their home and the organisations who help make it happen, none more so than the team at the Local Enterprise Office.

“I’m excited to take up this position and help the LEO drive Waterford business forward over the next few years. I hope my experience in building relationships will enable the Local Enterprise Office to play a key role. I like to work closely with business partners, building networks across all stakeholders. The onus is on both the public and the private sectors to work together using their unique positions to benefit Waterford going forward.”

Most recently Gareth was the Chief Technical Advisor and Team Leader of a four-year SME development programme in Zambia, funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, operating under the Ministry of SME Development. He also led a team which developed a new national SME development policy and resulted in an increase in inward investment of over £83m, international trade contracts in excess of £25m and an increase in revenues of over 230% for participating businesses.

He was the lead economic development consultant on a programme for rural finance expansion impacting over 600,000 households & businesses, and managed global networks of economic development programmes and microfinance institutions.  “My work has included leading collaborative design workshops with local and national government, the private sector and general public, to produce economic development strategies, policy documents and implementation plans that meet the needs of local communities and businesses in complex and changing environments.”

Gareth can be contacted at Local Enterprise Office Waterford on the Mall in the City or Civic offices in Dungarvan, or via email on gevans@waterfordcouncil.ie if you have any specific queries.

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.

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Local Enterprise Office Waterford to celebrate National Women’s Enterprise Day

With the National Women’s Enterprise Day planned for October 19th, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, in collaboration with Network Ireland Waterford branch, Dungarvan West Waterford Chamber and Waterford Chamber will host a networking event at the Mount Congreve House, that promises to inspire and educate the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

This year’s “Empowering Business Together” themed day starts with a welcome reception at 3pm and an opportunity for attendees to get a Professional Headshot taken.

The event will kick off at 3.30pm with a ‘Meet the Media’ panel hosted by Nichola Beresford which will cover how to approach the media, the different mediums and what you should have prepared when approaching the media.

This is followed by afternoon tea in the magnificent setting of the Chinese Room in Mount Congreve House.

Finally, there will be an interactive Empowering Business Together Workshop which will allow attendees to choose what topics are discussed. Participants will be asked what they would like to hear on arrival, and this facilitated workshop will be tailored to the audiences’ needs.

Waterford’s National Women’s Enterprise Day Ambassador, Christine Murphy is founder and Creative Director of Urban Aran, an independent Irish Knitwear business in 2018. Based in Waterford, Urban Aran encapsulates the essence of her brand. The term “Urban” reflects her deep appreciation for urban landscapes. It is the imagery from cityscapes and professional street art in her home city of Waterford to minute detail including peeling paint on walls, which inspires her drawings and designs.

Christine was proud to be asked to be an ambassador for this year’s event, “I have interacted with the LEO for years and attended the NWED before, so was delighted to be asked to be an ambassador. The programme this year as always is geared to support women in business, and I’m thrilled to be involved.”

Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford said that the event will be of benefit to any female entrepreneur who is either thinking of starting a business or already in business, “The panellists at this event are highly renowned for assisting businesses in unleashing their potential and identifying opportunities for growth.  Supporting women in enterprise and addressing the key challenges confronting women in business is paramount to ensuring female entrepreneurs realise their full business potential.

“At Local Enterprise Office Waterford we have a broad range of support services, including events like this that enable entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level. National Women’s Enterprise Day not only showcases the work of successful female entrepreneurs, but also supports and fosters female entrepreneurship by encouraging more women to start their own business.”

National Women’s Enterprise Day is Ireland’s largest female enterprise event. It promotes, encourages and stimulates female entrepreneurship across Ireland. It is designed and led by women and is an annual high point in promoting entrepreneurship to women in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Office along with Enterprise Ireland provide a wide range of help, incentives, training, and development programmes to female entrepreneurs.

While help is available all year round, National Women’s Enterprise Day allows the LEO to turn the spotlight on female entrepreneurship. It attracts widespread media attention. It opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before. It highlights what support is available. It provides valuable networking opportunities and connections with industry experts. And it celebrates the achievements of women in enterprise.

It tackles the real-life subjects affecting women in business. While finance, marketing, innovation, and new product development are important, so too are family, well-being, and mental health and these all have their place in National Women’s Enterprise Day.

National Women’s Enterprise event takes place from 3pm to 6.30pm in Mount Congreve House, Waterford on Thursday, October 19th.  Tickets cost €20.  To book your place visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ . This event is a collaboration between Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Network Ireland Waterford branch, Dungarvan West Waterford Chamber & Waterford Chamber.

Photos by Noel Browne

Tamara Sheehan, Enterprise Executive, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Lynda Lawton, Operations Officer, Waterford Chamber, Jenny Beresford, CEO, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, and Mailo Power Founder/Owner of Monkey Cups.

Glas Awards Launched!

 

Local Enterprise Office Waterford launches the inaugural Glas Awards, promoting sustainability in business in Waterford.

The awards, in association with Waterford City and County Council aim to recognise and celebrate micro businesses in County Waterford who have made significant advances in bringing green principles into their business model.

Launched by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway, Acting Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Waterford, Brid Kirby, and Climate Action Coordinator with Waterford City and County Council, Gráinne Kennedy, these awards will showcase what Waterford business is doing to adopt sustainability policies, in a practical sense.

The awards are open to small and medium sizes businesses based in Waterford County. The Green Micro Enterprise of the Year is open to all with employees of 10 or less, while the Green SME of the Year is open to those between 11 and 20 employees.

The mayor sees this as another step towards Waterford’s green action targets.  “Waterford has been actively working towards carbon neutrality and preparing for the impacts of climate change. Through policy measures and the implementation of both adaptation and mitigation projects, we can effect real change.

“Every aspect of the community has a role to play, and these awards will highlight and reward the micro businesses who have started to play their part.”

Each winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500 and a themed trophy.

Brid is extremely proud of these new Awards, “We want to recognise the extraordinary contribution and commitment that some Waterford companies now make towards growing a greener future in Waterford’s business environment.

“We have an opportunity to promote the conscientious practices of these Waterford businesses and hopefully encourage more to adopt a similar attitude. A green agenda does not have to increase costs in business. It often increases business, while saving money in the long run. It is an investment in their business and our future.

While Grainne hopes they will inspire other businesses, “We hope that this event connects companies and teams from a diverse variety of business sectors to exchange ideas and celebrate achievements in sustainability. We are proud to again be part of an event that highlights leadership and sustainability in green practices in Waterford.”

The entry portal  www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/Training-Events/Competitions/Waterford-Glas-Awards-2023.html is now open on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website and remains so until 20th September 2023. The Glas Awards Final which will be held in Grow HQ, Waterford City on 17th October 2023.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

Local Artists set for First Flight!

 

In Spring of this year, the Local Enterprise Office Waterford invited submissions from artists and small craft businesses to apply for the First Flight Enterprise programme at the Kite Design Studio in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle.

This year’s successful candidates are Michelle Dunne (Strong Roots Jewellery), Lisa Hodge (Totes Upcycled) and Tanya Dobbyn (Clayful Creations by Tanya).

Kite Design Studio is an innovative space based in Waterford City and designed to enable the sharing of knowledge, resources and facilities for craft businesses.  Through an ethos of collaboration where businesses can connect support and grow, coworking spaces offer you the opportunity to bring structure to your day while increasing productivity and is a great alternative to working from home.

First introduced in 2013, this year’s First Flight programme provides a professional workspace, mentoring and practical business advice to creatives in a bustling, collaborative co-working space for six months commencing in June 2023.

To date, dozens of small craft businesses, artists and graduates of Waterford VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) have availed of First Flight placements, enabling them to develop their businesses commercially.

Michelle Dunne is one of those selected for this year’s First Flight placement. Michelle, originally from Tramore, now living in Ferrybank, is an artist and metalworker, and is planning to make the most of this opportunity. “The craft industry can be a lonely job, so places like Kite Design Studios are extremely important. Designers working alongside each other, inspires and increases knowledge in the whole design process.”

Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor with LEO Waterford said, “Over the years we have seen some inspirational artists and small craft businesses travel through this programme since 2013.”

As First Flight co-ordinator with the LEO she sees the benefit of the programme, “Waterford’s tradition in the arts and abundance of artistic talent cannot be denied, be it fashion designers, sculptors, jewellery makers or crystal craftspeople.  The First Flight programme gives talented individuals the resources and assistance to cultivate their businesses and gain from the experience of their peers in a shared creative space.”

If you are an artist or small craft business and would like to avail of a dedicated workspace, mentoring and business advice, speak to your Local Enterprise Office about the First Flight Enterprise programme. Alternatively visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ or call into Local Enterprise Office Waterford at 35, The Mall.

 

Photo by David Murphy Studio:

Tanya Dobbyn (Clayful Creations by Tanya), Lisa Hodge (Totes Upcycled), Jamie Whitty (Business Advisor with LEO Waterford) and Michelle Dunne (Strong Roots Jewellery).

Expat Taxes wins the 2023 Waterford Digital Awards

Waterford Local Enterprise Office, together with Waterford City and County Council, is pleased to announce Expat Taxes as the 2023 Waterford Digital Awards Overall Winner.

The ceremony, which took place at Dooley’s Hotel on Friday 9th June, aimed to recognise and reward SMEs based in County Waterford who have developed their ecommerce and digital platforms as part of their product offering. The Awards were open to all businesses with less than 50 full time employees based in County Waterford.

Expat Taxes, the overall winner, is a boutique online tax practice that works with employees and their employers when they are moving to or from Ireland. It offers tax advisory and tax compliance services. Its aim is to make taxes less stressful and to help its clients navigate the complex work of international tax.

Stephanie Wickham, owner, was obviously delighted to win the award, “It’s such a thrill to win this award, we’re genuinely very surprised. There were so many fantastic local businesses shortlisted. After last year’s awards we applied for a Trading Online Voucher from the LEO and used it to upgrade our website. It has certainly increased our business and I’m sure made the difference in winning this award. We’d like to thank the team at the LEO for all their help over the years.”

The winners of each award category were:

  1. Best Business to Business Website – Learn Right Ltd.
  2. Best Business to Customer Website – Phoenix Mind and Body Performance
  3. Best E Commerce Website – Hill’s Standard
  4. Best Export Website – Expat Taxes Ltd.
  5. Best in social media – Pepper Hustle

The winner of each category received €1,000 towards technical advice, photography, videography and marketing. The overall winner received €2,500 in cash.

Brid Kirby, Acting Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford was extremely impressed with the standard of entries, “In what is only our 2nd Waterford Digital Awards I’m delighted to see the increase in entries and standard of entries this year. Following a review of last year’s competition, we tweaked the categories and qualifying, and it paid off. Each of the category winners were excellent and it was so difficult to choose a winner. Though Stephanie and the team at Expat Taxes thoroughly deserve their award.

“Through training and Trading Online Vouchers many of our clients have transitioned to include digital sales and promotional platforms. This development has reaped financial rewards for many, while these awards are an opportunity to give them some public acclaim also.”

ENDS

Photo by Colin Shanahan – DigiCol Photography – http://www.digicolphotography.com

Local Enterprise Office Waterford launch the 2023 Digital Awards

Following the success of last year’s competition, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, together with Waterford County Council have announced the 2023 entries portal is now open

The Awards aim to recognise and reward SMEs based in County Waterford who have developed their e-commerce and digital platforms as part of their product offering. The Awards are open to all businesses with less than 50 full-time employees based in County Waterford.

The award categories are:

  1. Best E Commerce Website
  2. Best Business to Business Website
  3. Best Business to Customer Website
  4. Best Export Website
  5. Best in social media
  • Overall Website/social media of the Year

Each category will have up to four shortlisted entrants who will be selected after an evaluation of their website/social media platforms by independent expert judges.

The winner of each category will receive €1,000 towards technical advice, photography, videography, and marketing. The overall winner will receive €2,500 in cash.

Jacqui Gaule, Acting Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford commented at the launch of the awards, “We were blown award with the volume and quality of entries in our inaugural competition last year. We’ve made some slight changes this year, opening it up to more businesses in Waterford. Through training and Trading Online Vouchers many of our clients have transitioned to include digital sales and promotional platforms. These awards are an opportunity to reward those who have made the extra effort.”

Last year’s winner, Mark Bergin of Coffee House Lane encourages anyone with a digital platform to apply, “Any modern retail business needs an effective digital sales and promotions platform. Our website is an extension of our business and our family’s attitude to our work. We were thrilled to win, what was the first Waterford Digital Awards trophy.”

The entry portal is now open and remains so until 26th April 2023. Finalists will receive two free tickets to the Waterford Digital Awards, which will held in Dooleys Hotel on 9th June.

For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie