The search has begun to find Ireland’s most enterprising town as the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards 2018 judging commences across the country.

Running since 2016 the competition aims to promote enterprise by bringing businesses and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. The awards offer a prize fund of €157,000 spread out over number of categories including national, regional and small town prizes.

Laois was one of the four counties chosen to take part in the pilot competition in 2016. Five towns were selected to take part, Portlaoise, Portarlington, Abbeyleix, Rathdowney, and Mountrath with the judging taking place in November. While Boyle Co. Roscommon was the overall winner in 2016, Portarlington won the overall county award and Mountrath and Rathdowney were awarded 2 out of the 6 available merit awards.  Last Year Durrow and Portarlington were selected to represent Laois with Durrow being named runner up in the category for towns with populations of under 3,000.

This year Mountmellick has been selected to fly the flag for Laois in the Enterprising Town Awards. Every town has its own unique identity and it is through this identity and the strength and collaboration of its business and community groups that defined the town’s enterprising spirit. With this in mind the Mountmellick Development Association is looking for interested businesses and community groups to come forward to help showcase the town in the best light.

Mountmellick will be judged on the 20th of September at 11am. Interested parties should contact MDA manager Paddy Buggy by email paddybuggy@mountmellickdevelopment.com  or by phone 057 86 24525 to express their interest in taking part.

For further information on the Enterprising Town Awards click here to view the frequently asked questions or contact Jake Lawlor, Business Support Unit, Laois County Council at jlawlor@laoiscoco.ie or 057 86 64202.

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