Delivering Rural Development in County Laois
LAOIS PARTNERSHIP COMPANY was formed in 2008 to offer one unified structure for the delivery of economic, social and cultural services to small businesses, community groups and individuals in County Laois. This work is largely delivered through: The Rural Development Programme (previously LEADER), the Local Community Development Programme (previously LDSIP), as well as a number of other complementary programmes.
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A major campaign to brand the Midlands as a destination for enterprise, tourism, learning and living will be launched by the Midland Regional Authority (MRA), Laois County Council and Laois Chamber of Commerce on January 26th, 2012.
The brand MidlandsIreland.ie is promoted through a dedicated website, facebook, twitter, and through organisations such as, Chambers of Commerce, Business Forums, Local Authorities and local businesses. The strategic goal is to develop and market a distinctly unique image and identity for the region that will attract investment and economic activity to the region as well as strengthening and sustaining rural communities in order to complement urban centres, and contribute to the distinct identity of the region.
MidlandsIreland.ie will be officially launched in Laois at a function in the Heritage Hotel on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 at 7pm.
As part of the launch, local businesses will be give the opportunity to showcase their products. If you have available work / produce which you would be interested in exhibiting at the launch please email Sarah Morgan (smorgan@midlands.ie).
When replying to Sarah it would be helpful if you could:
Laois Partnership is holding a public meeting to outline options and supports for those looking to diversify their farm business/ establish a new rural business.
Hear about new business opportunities in the area
See nationwide case studies of businesses from around the country that have successfully applied for Rural Development (LEADER) Funding
Laois Partnership staff will be on hand to discuss eligibility of potential projects
You will also have an opportunity to hear about/ sign up for our new initiative to provide free specialist support to assist with the preparation of your business plan.
THIS IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WITH A NEW BUSINESS IDEA IN LAOIS – NOTE THAT THIS MEETING WILL FOCUS ON DIVERSIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS.
AN ADDITIONAL MEETING FOCUSING ON GENERAL RURAL BUSINESS STARTUPS WILL FOLLOW SOON.
Wednesday 25th January at 08:00pm
Killeshin Hotel, Dublin Road, Portlaoise
Contact Laois Partnership (057 8661900) to book a place.
Jimmy and Bernadine Mulhall of Coolanowle Country House – Ballickmoyler, Co Laois have added to their already impressive list of awards by winning the Georgina Campbell Farmhouse of the year award for 2012.
Jimmy and Bernadine have worked with Laois Partnership (Laois LEADER) over the years to diversify their farm and to develop the Coolanowle Organic Brand.
Coolanowle Country House combines an organic farm, B&B (with hotel-standard rooms – and self catering accommodation ), meals based on their own meats, fruit and vegetables, online produce sales and holistic treatments.
A recent addition to the wider farm enterprise is a farm shop which opened in late 2010. The farm shop is, in many ways, the final piece in the jigsaw and Coolanowle Organics is now able to offer quality assurance through all stages of the life cycle of their products; literally from farm to fork.
To view a short video clip telling the story of Coolanowle’s relationship with Laois Partnership, click here……
Downtown Portlaoise was set up to represent, organise, promote and market the Retail & Associated Trade in Portlaoise town centre. Laois Partnership has provided funding to support this initiative.
Please support them by shopping local.
To follow Downtown Portlaoise on Facebook, click here….
Are you unemployed and would like to start a small business but don’t know how to get started?
LAOIS PARTNERSHIP COMPANY in conjunction with FÁS & the Department of Social Protection is providing a 24 Week Start Your Own Business Training Programme for the unemployed.
This programme offers practical training, coaching and mentoring for participants. Upon completion you will have developed a business plan, established a network and a clear understanding of what is involved in undertaking your venture. This is a 24 week programme.
The following will be covered:-
For information on this programme please call Michelle Tierney on 087 3723459.
The course will commence in January 2011.
To download our flyer, click here……
DEDICATION: An Exhibition of four of Ireland's finest Craft makers in Abbeyleix Library
Laois Year of Craft present a unique opportunity to hear the four craft makers from the wonderful craft exhibition, Dedication, at Abbeyleix library talk about their craft. In a facilitated discussion David Comerford (Wood Turner), Maeve Coulter (textile artist), Helena Malone(Jeweller) and Edyta Syzmanska (Ceramicist) will talk about their career, work process and aesthetic.
A last chance to see the exhibition and engage with the exhibitors and their work.
Facilitated by freelance arts and crafts consultant Cornelia McCarthy, Meet the Makers promises to be an insightful, engaging and educational morning.
To Download our brochure detailing other events over the autumn/ winter, click here…….
More Information on the Exhibitors:
DAVID COMERFORD
From Kilkenny and working since 1987 David is a self-taught wood artist, who works mainly with native and naturalised Irish timbers. His work comprises of both functional ware such as salad bowls and platters and one-off gallery pieces. David’s gallery pieces have a great sense of antiquity and ceremony. He decorates each piece with his own unique texturing which he has developed over the years to help him achieve the desired effect and atmosphere. www.davidcomerford.net
MAEVE COULTER (work pictured above)
Maeve Coulter trained as a printmaker and textile artist in the Limerick School of Art and Design. She works in both disciplines often combining print with fabric and stitching. Her recent work references the tradition of quilt making; of re-using fabrics from our everyday lives to create something new. She explores the notion of domesticity and home-making, our sense of identity and belonging. www.maevecoulter.com
HELENA MALONE
Laois native Helena is an innovative designer and maker of precious jewellery. Helena changed career from a finance and literature background in 2003 and trained in traditional Jewelley skills in Kilkenny. Helena creates and displays collections from her public studio in the centre of Portlaoise. As a goldsmith she works in all precious metals, unusual stones and pearls and promotes the recycling and re-using of a clients existing jewellery. www.helenamalone.ie
EDYTA SZYMANSKA
Working mainly with clay, sculptress Edyta Szymanska creates both small figurative pieces and large scale art. Her work is concerned with the human figure, interpreted through colour, texture and form, using the figure as the vehicle through which to express beauty, line and grace. Her medium is principally clay and, more recently, steel.
www.artsculpture.eu
The Start and Grow Enterprise Expo is a one-day Expo aimed at potential and new entrepreneurs along with established business people keen to either start or grow their business. It offers to all the opportunity to:
The Start and Grow Enterprise Expo is the perfect opportunity for potential entrepreneurs and existing business people and companies that are seeking information, inspiration, encouragement and support in starting or growing a business. The Expo will provide opportunities to hear and learn from industry leaders, experienced business people and for entrepreneurs to review and discuss alternative and pioneering ways of developing a business.
For full and up-to date detail of the Expo, click here…….
As part of an exciting project to establish a 10-year Plan and Vision for the town, The Portarlington Community Development Association is hosting an Agri-Diversification Workshop on Monday 3rd October.
Peter Young of the Farmers Journal will be facilitating the evening workshop and will be on hand to offer his expert advice on farm diversification opportunities.
Agri-Diversification Workshop - Mon 3rd October, 7:30-9:30pm – Portarlington Community Centre
For more information call: 057 8645728
To Download brochure click here……….
The Autumn/ Winter Schedule of activites under the Laois Year of Craft 2011 has just been announced and is detailed in a new brochure. This brochure outlines the numerous and diverse range of events that we have lined up over the next few months to celebrate National Year of Craft in Laois. Earlier in the year a steering committee of the Laois Arts Office, Laois Partnership, Laois County Enterprise Board and Dunamaise Arts Centre, recognising the importance of year of craft both nationally and locally, came together to ensure a true celebration of this significant year.
The programme includes exhibitions of work from some of the finest craft makers in the country, demonstrations
from master crafts people, talks, documentary showings, workshops, training and a very special dedicated exhibition of young people’s craft work.
We have aimed to show you craft in its many wonderful forms and we hope that you will be enthralled by the sheer excellence and quality of all the craft makers involved in this exciting and invigorating programme.
To Download the new brochure, click here…….
To get more detail on our forthcoming Business Development Course: Setting up a Craft Based Business – click here…..
Laois Partnership Company has organised a series of information days to provide unemployed people with information on jobs, entitlements, enterprise development and education & training opportunities:
The following agencies will be in attendance:
-Laois Partnership Company – Job Club
-Department of Social Protection – Citizens Information Centre
- MABS (Money Advice & Budgeting Service) – FAS Employment/Community Service & Services to Business
Laois VEC/AEGIS/Adult Learning/Community Education - Laois Third Level Centre
Laois County Enterprise Board – Midland Employment Support Agency
National Learning Network – Laois County Childcare
Venues and Dates:
Portarlington Community Centre- Wednesday 14th September 2011 10am-2pm
Portlaoise Parish Centre – Thursday 29th September 2011 10am-2pm
LPC Offices M.D.A Mountmellick – Thursday 13th October 2011 10am-2pm
Mountrath St Fintans Hall- Thursday 24th November 24th 2011 10am-2pm
This service is free of charge and all are welcome.
Further information click here…….. or call Sarah Shakespeare 087 2523171 /0578645379