WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL
Press Release 18th January 2024
LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE WICKLOW CLIENTS CREATED OVER 774 JOBS IN 2023
Companies supported by Wicklow Local Enterprise Office (LEO) created over 774 jobs in 2023. This was a seven per cent increase on 2022 and resulted in a net employment gain of 69.
The new figures show that the LEO Wicklow financially supported 161 small businesses in their portfolio across the county and these companies in turn employ 774 people.
The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow supported clients in 2023 was 69, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Offices also provide substantial funded supports to other small businesses with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
Commenting on the figures, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Aoife Kennedy Flynn, said: “The results announced today are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced.
“The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses but there is renewed optimism. We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish. This year will be no different and as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country.”
Emer O’Gorman, CE, Wicklow County Council, stated: “In 2023 LEO Wicklow has supported an impressive selection of small businesses and assisted them to create new jobs and to continue to innovate and start exporting, despite the challenges in retaining and hiring staff. Micro businesses across Wicklow are resilient and keen to embrace the supports on offer to work smarter and become more competitive no matter what sector they’re in. The team in LEO Wicklow and Wicklow County Council are ensuring that every business has access to support no matter how small and we have local expertise to help them succeed”.
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country showed that the LEOs now financially support 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 jobs creation figure of 2,131. This was up six per cent nationally on 2022. From the jobs created, 82 per cent were outside of the Dublin region.
Minister Neale Richmond TD 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.
“With 82 per cent of new jobs created outside of Dublin, it is clear that our Local Enterprise Offices are supporting businesses right across Ireland. What is also evident is the resilience of Ireland’s fantastic small businesses that have continued to adapt to an ever-changing business environment.
Carol Gibbons, Head of Regions and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland, stated: “2023 was a challenging year for business and these very positive employment results are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the LEO network across the country and the ambitious businesses it supports.
“Key to the success of the LEO network is the close relationship it fosters with both start-up and scaling businesses across communities. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with the LEO network in 2024 to ensure that all businesses can access the support and advice they need to start, grow and win in all markets.”
Keith Symes from Sussed representing Local Enterprise Office Wicklow at the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championship 2023.
