Enterprise

About > Enterprise

Enterprise Ireland is the primary government agency responsible for the development and promotion of Irish Enterprise. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity. Its clients are manufacturing and internationally trading services companies.

Through its extensive network of Irish and international offices, it works with clients to assist them to compete and to grow globally. People originally from the Midlands and entrepreneurs located overseas who maybe considering starting a technology led venture are encouraged to contact the Midlands Regional Office of Enterprise for an initial discussion.

The level of entrepreneurship in the Midlands Region and Ireland generally according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor is one of the highest in the world and this is evident by the advances made by such local companies.
When most people think of entrepreneurs in the Midlands, a few well-known names probably come to mind, including such people as Mr Michael O'Leary, Ryanair, Mr Owen Kilian, Aryzta, and Mr Vincent Cleary of Glenisk. But in fact, Midlands entrepreneurs number in their thousands.....

This spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well in the Irish Midlands. Indigenous and multi-national companies have found success and unparallel support in this vibrant region.

Why Choose the Midlands for Investment?
An available, flexible workforce and high staff retention rates.
A diverse range of graduates and postgraduates across all disciplines.
Significant research and innovation performed by higher education institutions and industry.
Valuable business networks.
Excellent and improving access, both nationally and internationally.
Attractive financial incentives and supports.
A rich quality of life, clean environment, and unique heritage that is valued and safeguarded.
Confidence and ambition where excellence, innovation, and creativity are rewarded.
Attractive property solutions.

Indigenous Industry

Enterprise Ireland is the primary government agency responsible for the development and promotion of Irish Enterprise. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity. Its clients are manufacturing and internationally trading services companies.

Through its extensive network of Irish and international offices, it works with clients to assist them to compete and to grow globally. People originally from the Midlands and entrepreneurs located overseas who maybe considering starting a technology led venture are encouraged to contact the Midlands Regional Office of Enterprise for an initial discussion.

The level of entrepreneurship in the Midlands Region and Ireland generally according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor is one of the highest in the world and this is evident by the advances made by such local companies

Technical Engineering Group in Mullingar, County Westmeath
Woodfit in Athlone, County Westmeath
ATSR in Tullamore, County Offaly

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Midlands

IDA Ireland is Ireland’s inward investment promotion agency and is responsible for the attraction and development of foreign investment in Ireland. IDA Ireland’s vision is to progress the Midlands in all aspects of economic development and investment. A world-class infrastructural setting, with particular attention to accessibility, education, quality of life, and environmental issues will continue to be a focus. IDA Ireland has a critical forward-thinking role in promoting successful operating conditions for clients and investing in areas that provide greater future competitive advantage.

As home to a high concentration of Medical Technologies and Pharmaceutical industries, the Midland Region has become a winning location for a vibrant and sustainable Life Sciences environment. Competitive operating costs and access to a population of approximately 450,000 in the wider Midlands have been major contributory factors in regional economic growth. With companies such as Abbott, Covidien, KCI, Teleflex and Isotron operating successfully from the Midlands, a showcase of modern manufacturing processes, industry efficiencies, excellent customer service and support is clearly demonstrated. The region can boast widespread availability of the right skills for future potential investors. This, coupled with the presence of Athlone Institute of Technology and the close proximity of other key academic institutions such as National University of Ireland Maynooth and National University of Ireland Galway all point to why the region makes good business sense to the overseas investor.

Supports for Business

The County Enterprise Boards in the region are a very valuable resource for those considering setting up their own company, as well as for those already in existence. The range of supports they provide includes advice and business information, selective financial assistance, business training, mentoring and the provision of research services and facilities.

Integrated Local Development Companies are not-for-profit companies that target the areas of greatest need in the country, to provide an area-based response to long-term unemployment and to promote social inclusion across three measures – Services for the Unemployed, Community Development and Community Based Youth Initiatives.

The Midlands Innovation and Research Centre at Athlone Institute of Technology is a hub for innovation, research and enterprise in the Midlands. It provides incubation facilities for innovative and knowledge-based enterprise, an enterprise programme for entrepreneurs and start-ups, and makes available the resources and expertise of the institute to support client companies

Useful links

To find out more about Enterprise in Midlands Ireland, click here

Paul O’Reilly, Engineer and Entrepreneur, Mullingar
President of Midlands Gateway Chamber, Director of ORS, HomeInstead Senior Care, United Retek and Kube Development

The Midlands Gateway Chamber acts as a focus for economic development within the Midlands. The centrality of the Midlands offers companies an excellent array of high quality property options, a number of leading academic facilities producing highly skilled graduates, advancement of infrastructure and an established track record of investments across industry sectors.

"As President of Midlands Gateway Chamber we will continue to identify and support projects and issues, communicate information and create opportunities in association with public bodies and private business, driving further investment in living, learning, tourism and enterprise projects so that we can promote business growth for the entire region."