New co-working space in Belcoo officially launched

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Stephen McGurn, who was appointed to develop and run the project, explained its concept: “Having worked with Lakeland Community Care, which also runs Belcoo Enterprise Centre, they were looking for ideas for this new space so we decided to develop The Hub at Belcoo Enterprise Centre to allow [people] to come along [to co-work]; connect and network with coffee, and have all their services provided.

“We’re hoping to target students and local e-commerce businesses in the rural economy, both in Fermanagh and cross-Border,” he added.

The amenities available in The Hub – a modern, colourful and welcoming space – include Wi-Fi, printing, a call zone area and a dedicated call room.

Over the past few weeks, prior to its official launch, a number of local people trialled The Hub.

Adding that feedback from the trials has been “really good”, Stephen added: “We have a lot of country people who are working in Wi-Fi-desolate areas, so they want to come to a space where they have everything there and can operate out of.

“Equally, people with families who don’t want to work out of their home and if they want a space, they can come and network with other people in business and potentially for e-commerce, provide a hive of activity, [sharing] business ideas.”

Opening the launch event last Friday, Noel McAllister, one of the volunteer directors of Belcoo Enterprise, thanked Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for its funding support through the Capital Grant Aid programme in 2019, which helped make The Hub a reality.

“I wish to thank the Council staff for their assistance and cooperation with this grant, and we look forward to continuing to work with the council to ensure that the Belcoo Enterprise Centre is fit for purpose and continues as a valuable asset to our community.

“I would also like to thank Ronan Murphy and FAL contracts for taking on the works and doing such a great job,” added Noel.

The launch event continued with Belcoo local Margaret Gallagher sharing a brief history of Belcoo Enterprise Centre, where she had previously worked for many years. She concluded by congratulating the “amazing team” behind The Hub.

The Vice-Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris McCaffrey, cut the ribbon to officially open The Hub.

Cllr.Bernice Swift, Louise McLaughlin and Cllr. Chris McCaffrey.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor McCaffrey said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on how we live, socialise and do business, and I commend the team here at Belcoo Enterprise Centre for taking the initiative to adapt to the changes and, in the words of your mission, support businesses, entrepreneurs and established companies to inspire and promote rural economic development.

“On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf as a councillor in the Erne West DEA, I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the development of The Hub and wish you and the businesses availing of the facility every success for the future.”

Noting that the team behind The Hub are keen to build upon the successes of this pilot project and deliver further facilities, including a dedicated work station room, boardroom, privacy pods and meeting spaces, Stephen said: “The vision for this space as our mission statement portrays [is], ‘co-working, connecting, networking’.

“We hope that this space can create a buzz of activity around the centre and we don’t want to stop here.”