Le Skinny Chef, Aymar Gourdet pictured with Minister Alan Dillon, also pictured is Lisa Molloy, Head of Enterprise with Minister Peter Burke and Local Enterprise Office staff from around the country at the Local Enterprise Village.

Laois County Council, through the Local Enterprise Office and Economic Development and Tourism team, participated in the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan from 15th to 17th September. The event once again provided an invaluable platform to showcase Laois businesses, promote the county as a destination for investment and tourism, and connect with visitors, industry stakeholders and policymakers from across Ireland.

Laois was well represented in both the Local Enterprise Village and the Midlands Flavours Pavilion. In the Local Enterprise Village, Le Skinny Chef showcased its award-winning products to thousands of visitors, while in the Midlands Flavours Pavilion, Solanti, Aghaboe Farm Foods, G's Gourmet Jams and Flavour Safari highlighted the quality and diversity of food production within the county. Exhibitors reported strong sales, valuable business leads and significant interest from consumers, retailers and potential collaborators throughout the three-day event.

The Championships provided an excellent opportunity to engage directly with businesses and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing enterprise in rural Ireland. The event also served as an important networking platform, facilitating connections between entrepreneurs, support agencies, buyers, policymakers and industry representatives.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to welcome and engage with a number of Government Ministers who visited the Local Enterprise Village and met with exhibiting businesses. Minister for Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD, and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, visited the Laois exhibitors and took time to hear first-hand about the growth ambitions, achievements and challenges facing small businesses. Their engagement highlighted the important role that micro and small enterprises play in driving economic activity, job creation and innovation throughout regional Ireland.

Pictured are Noel Walsh, Solanti; Roy Gee, G’s Gourmet Jams, Michael Onalimi, Flavour Safari and Aghaboe Farm Foods stand.

The success of the Midlands Flavours Pavilion was a testament to the strong collaboration between the Midlands local authorities and regional partners. Particular appreciation is due to Bernie Everard and the Midlands Ireland team for their work in coordinating the pavilion and creating a high-profile showcase for food and drink producers from across the region.

Overall, the National Ploughing Championships provided an outstanding opportunity to raise the profile of Laois businesses, celebrate local entrepreneurship and promote the county as a place of quality food production, innovation, investment and opportunity.