Google announce Leitrim winner of the second annual You’re the Business competition

Leitrim-based vehicle conversion specialists Pathfinders Custom Conversion have been named as one of the 21 SME’s from across Ireland as part of this year's You’re The Business campaign in association with Google, Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO).

Now in its second year, You’re the Business is a training and mentoring programme that aims to accelerate Irish SME growth through digitalisation. In addition to the training, You’re the Business features a competition element to recognise and reward SMEs that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their growth journey - from those who have launched a website, through to those who are just starting to export. Entrants were asked to submit a video no longer than 2 minutes in duration, detailing what their business means to them and an example of how they have used digital to drive / grow / enhance their business.

Winners will receive a digital support package from Google which includes €1,000 Google ads credit, as well as one on one consultations with experts that will help them to further develop and grow their business. The selected businesses are invited to attend a celebratory event at Google’s The Foundry later this year.

Elliot Kearns, CEO and Founder of Pathfinders Custom Conversions, said: "As a family-run rural company building a global brand we are delighted to have been selected as one of this year's winners. We realise the potential for our products and services on an international level and we are delighted with this recognition on the start of that journey. We are one of the first companies in the world to have invested in creating virtual reality camper tours to showcase our products and we look forward to growing that platform and reaching a wider audience.

“Being part of this program will be an invaluable experience for us. The support package from Google, including a substantial advertising package and expert mentorship, will empower us to embrace digitization effectively.”

Cera Ward, Managing Director of Google Ireland said: “In Ireland, over 90% of all enterprises stand within the SME bracket. SMEs like Chimac and those we are celebrating today are an integral part of the economy generating employment and providing services across the country. Business owners know that in order to reach Irish consumers, 90% of whom are active online, they need to ensure their online presence is at its best.  You’re the Business helps SMEs to do just that, through training that is available on our dedicated site. We’ve been proud to partner with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices in the delivery of the You’re the Business programme and I want to congratulate all the winners, I look forward to seeing how they use this prize to support continued growth.”

Richard Murphy, head of LEO Support and Coordination Unit at Enterprise Ireland said:“The role of digital in the evolution and growth of any SME has never been so keenly felt than over the past number of years. Companies have had to become more agile and digitally adept to survive and thrive. Opening up and sharing Google’s expertise in digital with SMEs across Ireland is a huge step forward in helping these companies to maximise their online presence and growth potential. Many congratulations to the winners announced today. We wish them continued success and look forward to supporting them as they grow both here in Ireland and hopefully internationally in the years to come.”

The foundation of You’re the Business is a digital upskill program. It is a Google initiative developed in partnership with EI and the LEOs that delivers on-demand training online, e-learning courses, and tools and other resources to SMEs in Ireland to help them upskill digitally.

For further information on the winners and the You’re The Business initiative, please visit: g.co/yourethebusiness