A wide range of businesses attended Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Business Conference held on Thursday, May 23 in the Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, hosted by the Council Chair, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly (SF).

Approximately 130 attendees gained valuable information and advice from a variety of speakers, including Keynote Speaker, Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary for the Department for the Economy.

Mr. Snowden highlighted the Department’s four key economic priorities, including good jobs, improved productivity, progress towards decarbonisation, and achieving regional balance.

He said the Department is committed to working in partnership with councils to develop Sub-Regional Economic Action Plans which would help to address longstanding deficits in regional balance, and to progress targeted initiatives based on local needs.

The impact of the loss of BT/EE jobs in Enniskillen was acknowledged by Mr. Snowden and he spoke of the Department’s intention to work with the Council towards the development of bespoke interventions to mitigate the impacts of the job losses.

Also speaking at the event, Niall O’Donnellan, Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Cross Border Studies, focused on Fermanagh and Omagh’s potential to be a key driver for economic growth through a cross-Border cluster approach, and with a focus on key emerging sectors.

Speaking on the importance of innovation, Martin McKendry, Director at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), showcased how the college is focusing on the potential of innovative approaches such as the use of robotics and automation to boost productivity in agri-food enterprises.

With an increased focus on climate change action, Professor David Rooney, Queen's University Belfast, highlighted the significant contribution of the Fermanagh and Omagh district in terms of renewable energy sources and the opportunities for areas such as Fermanagh and Omagh, in terms of the circular economy, to support the achievement of decarbonisation targets.

Dr. Lisa Wilson, Nevin Economic Research Institute, discussed the concept of a ‘good job’ and spoke of the importance of creating quality jobs to attract and retain staff to help businesses to grow.

The final speaker of the day was Fermanagh native Emma Weaver, a Global Mental Wealth Advocate and TEDx Curator, who spoke of the unique assets and strengths of the district and their potential to inspire and support entrepreneurs, including the ‘can-do’ attitude and resilience of local people.

Speaking after the conference, Councillor O’Reilly said: “It was great to see such a good attendance and representation of various business sectors at the Council’s first Business Conference, and the level of engagement with the panel discussion.

"I am confident that participants have all gained valuable information and advice and, importantly, had an opportunity to network and gain new contacts.

"The Council is committed to ensuring that our economy is thriving, expanding and outward-looking and this conference demonstrates our commitment and our willingness to work to support our local businesses for the benefit of the district’s local economy.”