Contact Us

New figures suggest that 3,700 new jobs were created by Irish start-ups and small businesses in 2017, supported by their Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).

In 2014, a nationwide system of LEOs was launched by the Irish Government, with the aim of leading the economic recovery in all four corners of the country. By offering start-ups and small business owners access to the full range of State support, afforded by local authorities, Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Social Protection, training bodies and much more, it was hoped to support local firms and entrepreneurs to create local jobs.

Last year’s creation of almost 4,000 jobs by LEO-backed small businesses takes the total number of jobs created since LEOs were established to 15,000.

This announcement was warmly welcomed by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys and the Trade Minister, Pat Breen.

“In a challenging environment, LEO clients have contributed substantially to economic development up and down the country, especially outside of the main urban centres,” said Breen.

At the time of writing, some 31 LEOs exist across Ireland. Aside from the encouraging job creation by LEO-backed firms, over 80 small businesses progressed from their respective LEOs into the Enterprise Ireland portfolio in the last 12 months.

Anna Marie Delaney, Offaly Council CEO and chairwoman of the CCMA Committee on Economic Development & Enterprise, believes the above figures are a clear vote of confidence in the concept of LEOs.

“As these results for 2017 clearly demonstrate, the LEOs are playing a pivotal role in local job creation nationwide,” said Delaney.

According to the latest IrishJobs.ie employment index, the number of job vacancies in total across Ireland increased by 3% year-on-year in 2017, with the hotel and catering sector said to have generated a significant portion of the vacancies.

How to find your Local Enterprise Office

To find your Local Enterprise Office and discover the range of support available to your growing business, visit the LocalEnterprise.ie website. From here, you can search for your nearest LEO by typing in the name of the town or city in which you are based.

Date published 23 Mar 2018 | Last updated 23 Mar 2018

Choose the right accounting firm for you

Running your own business can be challenging so why not let TaxAssist Accountants manage your tax, accounting, bookkeeping and payroll needs? If you are not receiving the service you deserve from your accountant, then perhaps it’s time to make the switch?

Local business focus icon

Local business focus

We specialise in supporting independent businesses and work with 6,246 clients. Each TaxAssist Accountant runs their own business, and are passionate about supporting you.

Come and meet us icon

Come and meet us

We enjoy talking to business owners and self-employed professionals who are looking to get the most out of their accountant. You can visit us at any of our 23 locations, meet with us online through video call software, or talk to us by telephone.

Switching is simple icon

Switching is simple

Changing accountants is easier than you might think. There are no tax implications and you can switch at any time in the year and our team will guide you through the process for a smooth transition.

See how TaxAssist Accountants can help you with a free consultation

1800 98 76 09

Or contact us