Leitrim and Services Sector

Leitrim is probably best recognised for its financial services sector with the presence of companies such as AvantCard and Bank of America. There is a large number of businesses serving the tourism industry in Leitrim as well as industries like forestry, food and creative sector. There is full range of service businesses providing legal, accounting, banking, cleaning, landscaping, education, insurance and transport services in Leitrim.

There are a range of community enterprise centres and the new Hive Technology Enterprise centre which provide a base for small businesses in the Service and Technology Sector. Located on the N4 national primary route, The Hive in Carrick on Shannon is a new technology enterprise centre offering a range of accommodation options from a single desk with high speed fibre broadband access, to fully furnished and serviced office suites with fixed cost flexible leases and optional packages including phone systems, print solutions and secretarial support. It also provides meeting and coffee facilities as well as training rooms. There is a range of businesses which have moved into the Hive giving an ideal environment for the cross fertilisation of ideas among occupants.

Some of the companies already located in the Hive include: Digital Business Institute which specialises in Digital marketing online training courses. For more information email colm@the-hive.ie The Drumshanbo Enterprise Centre is also the base for services businesses such as NorthWest Marketing which specialise in wedding stationery, DPS Print, Warmer Homes, Computer Factory as well as a range of creative businesses such as Art Francis which specialise in the manufacture of classic and modern stairs and furniture. For more information on Drumshanbo Enterprise centre, contact mbruen@drumshanboenterprise.ie  Again, this centre gives a full range of office packages leaving you free to concentrate on making your business a success, not worrying about your office space.

Opportunities in Services in Leitrim

As Leitrim is well established as a tourism destination, there is a range of opportunities to service this market and people to talk to about the type of businesses they have established e.g. transport, day trips, printing and design, specialised photographic and makeup services as well as water related services for people who are attracted to the main lakes and rivers in Leitrim as well as its short coastline in Tullaghan. Other sectors where service business options could be considered are in the areas of education in the creative sector, forestry support services, environmental and green technology, food related services and those contacted with some of our main businesses featured in our Case Studies section. As Leitrim is a popular destination for weddings in some of its luxurious hotels, there is a growing service sector supporting all your requirements for weddings.

Examples of Companies/Projects in Services Sector in Leitrim

Avant Card

AvantCard Limited is a Consumer Finance business located in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim. The business currently employs up to 200 employees in a purpose built facility; the average tenure across the adaptable and experienced workforce is 11+years. A number of employees live in the Leitrim region while others commute from within a 5 county catchment radius.

Mohill Computer Training Centre (MCT)

MCT is a professional computer training company based in Mohill, County Leitrim offering a wide range of courses and services including: full time computer applications course (Fetac Level 5), beginners classes, web design, corporate training and private tuition. They also provide pc and laptop repair and maintenance as well as a secretarial and printing service.

Campbell Carriers Haulage and Couriers

Established in 1974, this family run business based in Ballinamore, County Leitrim run a variety of different types of loads but specialise in the transport of pharmaceuticals or leading companies in this sector from Ireland to the UK and all over Europe.

Lock Up Alarms

Lock Up Alarms is owned by Bernie McGauran who operates the businesses across 6 counties in the West and North West from his base in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim. Lock Up Alarms provides a range of security services for businesses and homes as well as a mobile CCTV unit which can be used at festivals, sports events, community events, triathlons etc. The mobile CCTV unit is a novel addition to the business with its own sound system and presentation platform making it ideal for awards ceremonies, result announcements and more.

Four Seasons Florist and Garden Centre

Proprietors Gail and Ben Quinn operate a range of services through their business in Ballinamore. Gail provides wedding flower services as well as floral displays for big events including events in Dublin. They also run a landscaping and forestry advice service from the Ground floor of their business while the upstairs has uniquely been transformed into a community art gallery run by the Solas Art Gallery members.

Useful Contacts for Services Sector in Leitrim

Joe Lowe, Leitrim Local Enterprise Office info@leo.leitrimcoco.ie  353 (0) 71 9620450

Leitrim- One Call to Success 353 (0)71 9650496

Role of Local Authority in Services Sector

The Local Enterprise Office is based in the offices of Leitrim County Council and it offers a range of supports to businesses including services sector e.g. mentoring, training, financial and information supports.

Each local authority has a role in planning and the Planning Department is available to meet for pre-planning meetings where a premises is being considered for a Service Enterprise. Other factors to be taken into account can also be explained at that meeting. The One Call to Success number is operated from the Economic Development Unit of the Local Authority and is there to offer advice on where to find information on helping you get the best supports for your business.