New Clare Local Enterprise Office to open in April


Government plans to replace all City and County Enterprise Boards with Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) moved a step closer this week with Clare County Council seeking expressions of interest from members of the local business community in relation to the makeup of the Clare LEO Evaluation and Approvals Committee.
Combining the resources of the existing County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and the Local Authority’s business support units, the 31 LEOs around Ireland will deliver services and support to the micro and small business sectors on behalf of Enterprise Ireland.

The Clare LEO will become operational in April and will be based at Clare County Council’s Headquarters at Áras Contae and Chláir.

The new LEOS are complemented by the establishment of a national Centre of Excellence providing support to entrepreneurs and small business in the execution of a national micro enterprise policy. The Centre of Excellence will undertake a number of functions including operating Service Level Agreements between Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities and driving progression of high potential companies from the LEO network to Enterprise Ireland.

Clare County Council has this week invited expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the Clare LEO Evaluation and Approvals Committee, comprising the Clare County Manager, Tom Coughlan as Chair; a representative from Enterprise Ireland; and five individuals with specific areas of business expertise. 

Mr. Coughlan explained that the five appointed members of the Evaluation and Approvals Committee will play an important role in how the new LEO operates in County Clare.

He added: “Clare County Council is currently seeking to appoint five members of the local business community to the Committee for a maximum period of three years. A record of entrepreneurship, accountancy experience, and a knowledge of and experience in micro and small enterprises are among the key attributes being sought in candidates seeking to join the Committee.”

Mr. Coughlan described the soon-to-be-established Clare LEO as a ‘first-stop-shop’ for small businesses.

He continued: “Once established in April, the LEO will work to ensure that the County’s small businesses can access the support, information and advice that they need. The direct links between the LEO and the Centre of Excellence mean that local knowledge will be combined with the expertise of Enterprise Ireland to give businesses the best possible start. As a result I am confident that the network of Local Enterprise Offices around Ireland will help to harness innovation, grow businesses and create jobs locally.”

Expressions of interest in relation to the Evaluation and Approvals Committee should be sent by e-mail to klordan@clarecoco.ie on or before 5pm on Wednesday, 12th March 2014.
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