June 2013 saw Louth County Enterprise Board celebrate 20 years in operation. It was a fitting time to look back and celebrate the success of so many companies that have emerged from Louth and gone on to national and international success.

Staged in the stunning new Creative Spark building on the outskirts of Dundalk, the event showcased the talents of youth entrepreneurs and told the tale of some companies who had had to diversify and adapt to cope with the changing marketplace during the recession. It was inspiring and energising in equal measure.

Artist Patricia Murphy created the stunning Platinum Anniversary Enterprise Awards that were presented to the category winners and the overall winner Easydry.

Funding organisations such as MicroFinance Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Enterprise Equity were on hand to advise SMEs about the funding types available to them and to answer detailed questions.

It wasn’t all work – there was time for some laughter and networking too, none more so than when an ice-cream van pulled up at the front door (in lieu of an afternoon teabreak) and 99’s with strawberry sauce were enjoyed by all.