Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 4:30pm

Enterprise Board searches for local business heroes

Awards highlight small firms achievements

The local Enterprise Board in Westmeath has begun its annual search for 'small business heroes' in the lead-up to the National Enterprise Awards.

The award scheme for micro-enterprises, which culminates with an awards ceremony in November, is organised by the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards to recognise the outstanding achievements and enterprise heroics of small businesses in Ireland.

A shortlist of eight finalists will be officially unveiled in October and last year, Robotic Drive Services from Mullingar in County Westmeath represented the county in the competition.

The Enterprise Boards, which are a nationwide business support network for the small and micro business sector, are predicting that over 11,000 new jobs could be created in small businesses over the next three years, if funding is restored.

Speaking at the local launch of the National Enterprise Awards, Ms Christine Charlton, CEO, Westmeath County Enterprise Board said: "Over 90% of all businesses in the country are micro-enterprises with many 'small business heroes' setting up new businesses or navigating existing businesses through the economic storm.

The National Enterprise Awards are designed to highlight the achievements of small businesses, such as innovation success, job creation, new export markets and local economic development, by putting them into the national spotlight."

Joe O'Donovan and Paul O' Beirne from Callan Technology in Co. Clare won the 2009 award and the other finalists last year were: Danelle Recycling from Carlow (Tony Broderick), Gilmore Clarke Electrical from Cavan (Paul Clarke), D.S. Environmental Services from Donegal (Denis Sheridan), Oldtown Hill Bakehouse from Kilkenny (Joy Moore), Usher Aviation from Sligo (Barry Usher), Robotic Drive Services from Westmeath (Ken McNevin and Stephen Nolan) and finally, Taoglas from Wexford (Dermot O' Shea), who came runner-up in the competition.

Further information about the National Enterprise Awards, in addition to information around the supports available to small businesses locally, is available at www.westmeath-enterprise.ie