LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE CLARE CLIENTS CREATED 188 NEW JOBS IN 2023
16th January 2024
LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE CLARE NOW SUPPORTING OVER 229 SMALL BUSINESSES AND 188 JOBS ACCORDING TO NEW FIGURES
- 188 new jobs created in 2023
- Net employment gain of 62 in 2023
- 229 total small businesses employing 1,393 people supported by LEO Clare
Today, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2023 which showed that Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Clare supported companies created 188 jobs in 2023.
The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Clare supported clients in 2023 was 62, which considers companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
The new figures show that the LEO Clare financially supported 229 small businesses in their portfolio across the county these companies in turn employ 1,393 people.
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now financially supporting 38,726 jobs across 7,167 companies. This is the most jobs the Local Enterprise Offices have supported nationally since their inception in 2014.
In 2023 there were 6,640 new jobs created by LEO client companies with a net job’s creation figure of 2,131. This was up 6% nationally on 2022. From the jobs created, 82% were outside of the Dublin region.
The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
Minister Neale Richmond, T.D., said; “I have been fortunate enough to visit many Local Enterprise Offices and I have seen first-hand the superb quality of their mentorship and supports, and the impact they have on the businesses and entrepreneurs they support. These results are a testament to our Local Enterprise Offices; ten consecutive years of job growth is a major accomplishment that reminds us how crucial their support is both for new businesses, but also in helping existing businesses to grow.
This Government is committed to backing business and will continue to work closely with small businesses, support their growth, help them to find new markets and to stimulate job growth and the Local Enterprise Offices have a key role to play here. Today’s results show that we are moving in the right direction, and I have no doubt that our Local Enterprise Offices will be there to support businesses at every turn.”
The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2023, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through a large suite of supports. They Local Enterprise Offices offering training and mentoring in a range of areas from financial skills and product innovation to starting your own business and maximising your presence online.
Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council said "The continuing ability of our many small businesses to thrive and grow, is very encouraging. The employment they provide, and create, year in year out throughout our County reflects the vibrancy of our local economy. I encourage all businesses in Clare to reach out to the Local Enterprise Office to see how they can support and assist your business to continue prospering and growing.”
Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise said, “Despite many challenges the businesses we support in Clare have demonstrated remarkable resilience to overcome these challenges and continue to grow their businesses and create new employment opportunities. This year we have seen first-hand the ability of many small businesses to adapt, embrace new technologies and ensure their employees avail of the many upskilling opportunities available to them. 2024 will present new challenges and we have a range of supports available to assist businesses which will help them to continue growing their businesses and provide employment. We continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and other agencies to ensure our local businesses adapt, and embrace, emerging trends in reducing their carbon footprint and improving productivity through digitisation. ”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive said “I welcome the continuing positive trend of our many small businesses creating new jobs and providing opportunities for our citizens to live and work in Clare. Clare County Council, through our Local Enterprise Office and the other services we provide, are committed to continuing our support of the many successful businesses located in Clare,. We will be a leader in fostering economic development and ensuring we continue a progressive and forward looking focus on developing our local economy “.
Located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland the LEOs support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards. The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time money and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports including Green, Lean and Digital for Business. www.AllInADaysWork.ie For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie
