Longford Local Enterprise Office honours thriving business sector

Longford's vibrant business sector was out in force as the Local Enterprise Office held their annual awards to honour some of the county's most outstanding small businesses. A range of the county's businesses were recognised at the Local Enterprise Office last week.

Midland Language Centre took the top prize and will go on to represent Longford at the 23rd National Enterprise Awards which take place in Mansion House in Dublin on June 1.
Six other winners received gongs at the annual get LEO together. Finalists Mark Cadam Ltd and Pallet Solutions Ltd contested the category Midland Language Centre won out in.
Pallet Solutions Ltd, owned and managed by Enda McKeon, employs 16 people in the refurbishment and delivery of pallets to client companies throughout the Midlands.

Mark Cadam Ltd is a family-run business with over 40 years’ experience in haulage, quarry, plant hire and civil works. The company also operates a very successful animal bedding business which provides high-quality wood shavings bedding to the equine industry.

There were four individual award categories. High end retailer Áine’s Boutique, a business employing 11 people, was announced as LEAN Champion for its streamline approach to business. Áine’s Boutique has been serving the greater Midlands for over 25 years.

Spirit Clothing, who employs 18 people, got the nod as Digital Champion. Owned and run by Peter Dolan and Joe Flynn the business employs 18 people and has developed a major presence in the wedding suit hire and purchase market.

Skelly’s Bar, Restaurant and Guesthouse on Main Street, Ballymahon, won out as Green Champion. Operated by Pat and Patrice Byrne, the venue has an excellent reputation for its old-world charm and friendly atmosphere.
The restaurant arm of the business boasts an extensive menu, with an emphasis on seasonal, locally produced food.

Longford town butcher Louis Herterich, was announced winner of the first ‘Spirit of Longford’ award. This award acknowledged the vision to turn a derelict site into a multi-use outdoor space known as Pig Market Lane.
Since opening in Summer 2022, Pig Market Lane has become a hub for community events, and enhanced the streetscape of the town, complementing the newly-developed Market Square across the road.

“These County Longford Enterprise Awards are all about celebrating the great businesses we have all around our county,” Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said, “I congratulate all the winners, particularly Midland Language Centre, a great local business with an impressive national and international reach. I wish them every success when they represent County Longford at the national finals in Dublin In June.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “The Council, through the Local Enterprise Office, Longford, proudly supports and celebrates local business.
County Longford is home to many well-known names and growing businesses, and Longford County Council and our Enterprise Office is always working to make County Longford a better place to do business in.”

Speaking at the event, Longford County Council Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin spoke of the achievements of the businesses recognised in the award ceremony: “These business people create jobs, help communities retain its young people and bring wealth into the local economy and they deserve to be applauded for their efforts.

The Annual Awards is an important event in the annual calendar, recognising the achievements of really progressive and forward thinking entrepreneurs.”
The County Longford Enterprise Awards took place as part of Local Enterprise Week. For this week, over 300 events took place across the country, including business training to help entrepreneurs, start-ups and expanding business.

It was organised by Local Enterprise Offices, and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, including Longford County Council, and the Government of Ireland.