Ballymahon activity centre takes Co Enterprise crown

A Ballymahon based outdoor adventure centre walked away with the mantle of Longford County Enterprise Award winner for 2012 as the organisation held its annual presentation ceremony last week.

The announcement, made in the scenic surroundings of local restaurant Viewmount House, means Alex Stanley’s firm will now go on to take their place at the regional finals later this year.

Providing a range of activities to schools, private groups and corporate clients, judges opted for the “quality product” Outdoor Discovery now provides in a move which has seen the company also set up operations in Clondalkin, Dublin.

Three other finalists, namely GNA Analytical Ltd, Labserv Ireland, Tom Kelly Menswear and Rapid Print were equally praised for their ability to persevere in what has become an ultra competitive marketplace dominated by economic pressures and financial instability.

Speaking at the awards, Joe Flaherty, Regional Manager of Johnston Press acknowledged the important role small businesses play in the local economy. He spoke about the difficulties small businesses currently face and the restricted access to finance, a development which many experts believe is continuing to hamper business growth and development.

Despite this, Mr Flaherty heaped praise on the dedication and commitment entrepreneurs such as this year’s four finalists have brought to their own organisations and to the economy locally.

Should Alex Stanley and his Outdoor Discovery brainchild win over regional adjudicators, the south Longford business will be one of just eight firms from all over Ireland to be shortlisted for the overall title of National Enterprise winner at a cermony in Dublin in November.