A Business Forum was held in the Estoria, Bagenalstown/Muine Bheag on Tuesday last with guest speakers from business, public office and local agencies. 

“Our objective was to listen to local businesses and to affirm our commitment to the enterprise infrastructure of the area”, said Michael Kelly, CEO, Carlow County Enterprise Board, one of the sponsors of the event.  Other sponsors were Carlow County Chamber, Carlow County Development Partnership, and Carlow County Council.  “It is to everyone’s advantage if we can develop networks working in the area and also working through the County and the South East region”

Guest speaker was Harry Lawlor, an entrepreneur based in County Limerick, who business has, in the last 25 years, exported goods worth €500m.  Citing a Henry Ford quotation, “if you think you can, or think you can’t , you’re right”, he outlined the 3 keys to success in business, “persistence, persistence and persistence”.

Deputy John McGuinness outlined his belief that indigenous businesses will take us out of the recession and spoke of the current climate as being an opportunity to re-educate ourselves of what business is about.  He also spoke of the importance of building and maintaining an infrastructure that supports local enterprise, while at the same time examining the research and development needs of successful corporations.

Local entrepreneur, Jim Somers, Barrow Automation and more recently HomeFix Ireland, spoke of the importance of market research and the sometimes onerous red tape that exists for the small business.
Bernie O Brien, Carlow County Council remarked on the pro-business climate that exists within Bagenalstown and outlined the support that has been provided over the years by the local authorities and its plans for the future.  Mary Walsh, Carlow County Development Partnership, whose offices are based in Bagenalstown, profiled the agency’s role and the potential of the new Enterprise Centre for tourist, craft, agri-food and environmental micro business, due for completion in 2010 at a cost of €1m.  Niall McDonnell, Carlow County Chamber, spoke of it’s role as a lobby group and a voice for the 300 member businesses as well as their links with Skillsnet, to provide training for those in employment.

Freda Nolan from FAS, outlined the comprehensive range of support services available to companies and individuals in the Region.