Local Enterprise Office Waterford is encouraging small businesses to apply for the Productivity Challenge, a government-funded scheme supporting productivity in the SME sector.
As part of a a national programme, the Productivity Challenge is open to businesses with less than 50 employees and gives them practical advice and resources to improve their operational efficiencies and productivity.
Irish businesses or enterprises can now apply for one of 200 productivity vouchers valued at €2,500 each to help them develop a more efficient and productive business operation, through improving the quality of product, reducing delivery times, lowering the cost of production, reducing business waste or increasing revenue.
One such local business that is benefitting from the programme by adopting lean practices is Knocakanore Farmhouse Cheese, which produces hard-pressed mature farmhouse cheeses in Co. Waterford.
Eamonn Lonergan, Owner of Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese, acknowledges the benefits of undertaking the Productivity Challenge. “There will always be challenges along the way, but the key is to engage in programmes, such as this, that can have a positive impact on your business.”
"Lean process opened our eyes to a lot of potential savings that we were not aware of before embarking on the programme. It led to significant cost savings and productivity increases, which for any business is an extremely favourable outcome.”
Brid Kirby, Local Enterprise Office Waterford, explains the benefits of the Productivity Challenge to small businesses. “This scheme will give small established businesses the opportunity to take a more holistic view of their business model and help identify cost savings. Whether it’s reducing the cost of running your business or refining organisational methods, the right funding, advice and resources are available under the scheme.”
“With so many challenges to overcome in business today, this programme, in particular, helps companies identify cost saving opportunities, increase productivity and streamline operations and therefore prepares them for a more productive future.”
Closing date for receipt of Productivity Challenge applications is November 22nd, 2019 and is open to local businesses with less than 50 employees, established for over 6 months and currently trading.
To apply visit www.productivitychallenge.ie