Sligo Local Enterprise Office to pilot off-site advisory clinics with Socolab in Strandhill

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A motion discussed at the June meeting of Sligo County Council asking the local authority to “consider including regular outreach work in towns throughout the county, to raise awareness of the excellent training and mentorship initiatives hosted by Sligo Local Enterprise Office (LEO), to ensure both new and established businesses are aware of the range of supports offered.”

Speaking to the motion, Cllr Dara Mulvey noted the great support the LEO staff have given to many SMEs in County Sligo and acknowledged the reply from the executive.

In reply the executive stated that the Local Enterprise Office Sligo will commence a pilot initiative in the coming month to deliver off-site advisory clinics in partnership with Socolab in Strandhill.

“These clinics are designed to provide accessible face-to-face information and support to both existing and potential clients within the local community. The LEO team will review this pilot and consider opportunities to possibly extend this model to the larger towns across the county.”

The reply from the Executive continued, “As part of this process, they will also assess the most effective methods of promoting these clinics. Following this initial phase the demand for an impact of the clinics would be evaluated to inform future rollout.”

Giving his backing to the motion Cllr Thomas Walsh said, “We want to encourage business start-ups and existing businesses.”

The motion was also supported by Cllr Gerard Mullaney who stressed the importance of relaying information about the work carried out by the LEO saying, “A lot of businesses wouldn’t exist without the Local Enterprise Office.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.