Seal of approval for small firms in regeneration areas

SMALL businesses in run-down parts of Limerick yesterday got a stamp of approval from a high-powered enterprise academy.

Ten companies based in Moyross, Southill, St Mary’s Park and Ballinacurra Weston received certificates of completion of the Business Transformation Programme run by the Kemmy Business School in the University of Limerick.

The entrepreneurs behind the firms completed a 16-month programme aimed at supporting growth and development of small businesses in specific parts of city.

Employment numbers across the 10 firms involved have increased from 26 to 60 during the course of the programme.

There was engagement with Revenue and the Department of Social Protection, which facilitated participants in becoming tax compliant.

Ray O’Halloran, managing director of Speedline Engineering based in Moyross, said: “It will enable the businesses to grow and create jobs. This will keep Limerick in business and business in Limerick.”

The Business Transformation Programme was created in 2011 by John Heneghan, a lecturer in the Kemmy Business School and has been completed by 50 businesses to date.

It was the first time, however, businesses from Limerick’s regeneration areas were targeted. Accordingly, the programme facilitated a contribution to Limerick Regeneration by UL.

Mr Heneghan said: “With the downturn in the economy, and the construction sector particularly, many small business owners are looking to diversify and develop their businesses.

“The focus is to get your business ready for future development and ensure its survival through these challenging times.”

Christy Duhig, owner of Bricklaying Services, Moyross said: “The programme opened up my eyes to the benefit of getting out of the black economy and becoming compliant. I will have no hesitation in dealing with the taxman or social protection in the future.”

Mr Heneghan said SMEs were the lifeblood of communities and the backbone of the Irish economy.

“The Business Transformation Programme works with business owners and seeks to unlock key issues to ensure future business growth. The feedback from the participants has been wonderful and we look forward to continuing to work with this group of entrepreneurs into the future”.