Westmeath business operators shine at Ploughing 2026

Westmeath businesses people had the opportunity to showcase their products and services to almost a quarter of a million people at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, as part of the Local Enterprise Village.

Among them were E-Vehicle Accessories Ireland, a Local Enterprise Office Westmeath-supported company that provides premium storage and accessories for electric vehicle owners.

Founder Aniko Szucs said: “I was delighted to attend the National Ploughing Championships for the first time this year. Having heard so much about the event, it was fantastic to finally experience it in person and showcase our products to such a large and engaged audience.”

The Local Enterprise Village hosted 30 LEO supported small businesses from across the country highlighting clothing craft and artisanal food, bovine genetics and woodwork machinery to the 243,000 people who attended the Ploughing.

Christine Charlton of LEO Westmeath said the village “demonstrated the ambition, innovation and resilience of small businesses across the country”.

“For our LEO client, it provided a platform to make new connections and build awareness with potential customers, partners and buyers.

“The impact for participation goes far beyond the three days in Screggan; the exposure, advice and opportunities generated at the Ploughing can help them to grow sales, explore new markets and take the next step for their businesses.

“The LEOs are proud to support these entrepreneurs before, during and after the event, and the response this year shows just how important practical, local enterprise support is for businesses with big ambitions.”

This year the Local Enterprise Village included a Business Advice Hub for budding entrepreneurs or existing businesses people who were able to get advice from the LEO specialist business advisors. So, for anyone who had a business idea and wanted to figure out how to get it off the ground, or for someone with an existing business who wanted advice on funding, sustainability or building digital and AI into their business, there were advisors on hand meeting businesses across the three days.

The village again hosted the Google AI team this year following the success of the Google area in 2025 and their experts helped visitors and business owners in making AI work for them.

The Enterprise Europe Network were also in the village for the first time, giving advice to businesses people who wanted to begin looking at new markets across the EU and building relationships with international businesses.

The Local Enterprise Village will return to the National Ploughing Championships in 2027, at Rathangan in Kildare on September 21-23 (a week later than usual to accommodate the Ryder Cup).

Owners of small businesses interested in taking part in next year’s Local Enterprise Village should contact their Local Enterprise Offices.

Beyond the Local Enterprise Village, a number of Westmeath businesses also made a strong impression at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. Visitors to the Midlands Ireland/Midlands Flavours Pavillion sampled products from the Irish Craft Soda Company, An Olivia Chocolate, Red Rooster Coffee and Barbavilla Dairy, who proudly showcased the quality and innovation of Westmeath food producers.

Whyte Country Supplies represented Westmeath in the Enterprise Ireland area, highlighting the strength and diversity of businesses from the county.

The Local Enterprise Village is just one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country.

Others include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase.

The LEOs in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.

Established in 2014, the LEOs are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business operator looking for support or advice to help them grow.

Since their inception, the LEOs have helped create 80,000 jobs across the country. They work with thousands of client companies in a range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.

For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie.