The contribution of small businesses to the local economy in Co. Leitrim was recognised in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, on October 4th last at the county final of the National Enterprise Awards. Participation is the Awards Programme is open to any business who received financial assistance from Leitrim County Enterprise Board.

The County winner will be interviewed at a regional heat where eight businesses from all over Ireland will be shortlisted for the overall National Enterprise Award Final which will be held in Dublin Castle in November.

The Co. Leitrim 2011 finalists included a wide variety of small businesses from all parts of Co. Leitrim including; Sweet Temptations Cakes, Teapot Lane Eco Camp, Janey Pictures, North West Film School, Sign Warehouse Ltd and The Organic Centre. The applications were reviewed by an independent panel of judges.

The 2011 overall winner, Sign Warehouse Ltd are based in Drumshanbo Business Park. Owned and operated by Cormac Rogers and Frank Mulvey, Sign Warehouse supply, manufacture and install all types of signage, vehicle wraps, banners and all types of exhibition displays. The two promoters have many years experience in the Sign Industry between them and currently employ 5 full time staff and 1 part time. www.signwarehouse.ie

  
Other winners on the day included;
Runner Up was North West Film School, who train young people in all aspects of filmmaking through summer camps, schools and clubs. The promoter, Ruth Earley, holds a BA in English, Media and Cultural Studies and an MA in Film Production. www.northwestfilmschool.ie

The Contribution to the Community Award went to The Organic Centre. Established in 1995, The Organic Centre has developed a strong brand in the organic sector, offering training and other programmes to people in the community and visitors to the area, as well as a Vegetable Transplant element to the business. www.theorganiccentre.ie

 
The Tourism Award was won by Teapot Lane Eco Camp, an eco friendly holiday resort boasting Yurts, Tipis and cottage style accommodation. Promoter, Derval Mc Govern has a background in hospitality in both Ireland and around the world including Asia, Australia, India and many other countries. www.teapotlaneluxurycamp.com

 
The Creative Industries Award went to Janey Pictures, a film production company based in Dromahaire. Promoters Tommy Weir and Marian Quinn have many years experience in film making, 32A is one of their more recent projects. Janey pictures is moving into the area of software development and have developed an app for 32A. www.janeypictures.com

 
The New Business Award was won by Sweet Temptations Cakes, Keshcarrigan. Established in 2010 in by Louise Pain and Andrew Blackwell, Sweet Temptations Cakes produce wedding cakes and novelty cakes for any occasion. www.sweettemptationscakes.ie

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Joe Lowe, CEO of Leitrim County Enterprise Board thanked all entrants to the Awards and outlined that the Awards Programme provides a unique platform for local businesses to get local recognition for the hard work they do and the employment they give.

Noting the finalists represented all corners of Co. Leitrim, Joe informed those present that the Board are delighted to be involved in the Enterprise Awards Programme which recognises the work of small businesses and their vital job creation in the community. Joe went on to wish Sign Warehouse Ltd. the very best of luck in the next stage of the awards.

For more information on Leitrim County Enterprise Board check out www.leitrimenterprise.ie or call 071-9620450.