Business breakfast shows importance of people and place
IN A fast-changing business environment, the collective power of people and place is more important than ever. This was a key takeaway from a thought-provoking business breakfast yesterday (Wednesday), where members of the local business community gathered at the Lough Erne Resort for a thoughtprovoking morning of talks and team building.
Undoubtedly, the importance of place was visually clear for those in attendance, with a view of the stunning Lough Erne from the Ross Suite providing a fitting backdrop for the event.
A delicious breakfast, prepared by Executive Head Chef, Stephen Holland, gave local business owners the opportunity to chat, network and exchange ideas, before guest speakers took to the floor.
Lough Erne Resort sales manager, Shane Brown, began his presentation with a quote from Tim Cooke, CEO of Apple.
“For all of the beauty of technology and all the things it has helped facilitate, nothing yet replaces human interaction”.
Mr. Brown said this “highlights the power of face-to-face events and the power of people and place.”
He continued: “It is important to emphasise the significance of in-person events to build and retain company culture, and to celebrate success and milestones.”
And there is perhaps no bigger “in-person” event than what was experienced at the Lough Erne over 10-years-ago; none other than the G8 Summit.
Taking place in June 2013, the seismic occasion was the sixth G8 summit to be held in the UK, and the first to be held in Northern Ireland. The event positioned Fermanagh as a place known across the world.
“We firmly believe that a conference gives people the opportunity to change the world,” Mr. Brown said, speaking on a photo of former Prime Minister, David Cameron and former US President, Barack Obama, pictured in Co Fermanagh.
“We don’t just provide four walls and a floor. The Lough Erne gave the opportunity to change the world. Some of the best international decisions were made on this site.”
Next up was general manager, Gareth Burton, who since being appointed seven-months-ago, has quickly made Fermanagh his home.
“I am seven months into the role, but I am still calling myself new!” Mr.
Burton said. “I have been in hospitality for 25-years, having started off in a local hotel in Newcastle. I have done stints in London, Bristol, and more recently, the Island of Guernsey.
“25-years-on, and I feel blessed that I can call the Lough Erne my place of work. I relate my experience in Fermanagh very closely with Guernsey, where the sense of community is very strong, and the importance of community is valued by everyone.”
Clearly, the power of Fermanagh as a place has left an impact on Mr. Burton, as well as countless people who do business here.
“Fermanagh feels like I’ve lived here my entire life,” he continued.
“The feeling I get every day, coming across the drawbridge, is hard to describe.”
Indeed, whether it is global diplomacy or local business, place is important. But a place is as only as strong as its people, and much like world leaders in 2013, local businesses have been taking full advantage of Co Fermanagh as a location for business.
Noel Mcaloon, manager of Enniskillen BID, knows all too well the power of people when it comes to the success of an area.
And thanks to the buy-in of local people, the Enniskillen Gift Card a flagship project of BID is set to surpass £1m in sales this year.
The scheme is a Visa-based gift card, which can be used across
Enniskillen. It works the same way as gift cards but for the whole town, and can be redeemed at the Lough Erne Resort.
“Without a doubt, if you have a strong county town, you have a strong county,” she said. “We are thrilled to be working to make the town centre stronger all the time, for the benefit of everyone in the county.
“It speaks volumes that the Enniskillen Gift Card is the second best-selling gift card in the whole of the UK. That is a lot to take on board considering how rural we are, and our small population. It’s nothing short of incredible.
“It also must be noted that the Enniskillen Gift Card is set to surpass £1m in sales, all of which has been spent in-store. This investment has been put back into the town, and it’s even more heartening to know that on average, people spend 40 per cent more if they are using a gift card!”
Initiatives like BID and the Enniskillen Gift Card have helped promote a sense of vibrancy in Enniskillen Town Centre.
“The town centre belongs to us all, and we want people to feel that the town is theirs,” the BID manager continued. “We want people to know that it’s safe and somewhere they can come in and enjoy. It’s all about promoting good relationships in the town.
“The business environment is everchanging, but businesses here are comfortable in their own offerings.
They know they are offering something more than your huge multinationals, and that they can give customers the best experience possible.”
The final speaker was Caolan Faux, from Blue Green Yonder. Following the theme of ‘The Great Outdoors’, he detailed how his business provides inclusivity and accessibility to the water and the outdoors.
Blue Green Yonder is just one of many local businesses that has carved a niche in Fermanagh. The outdoor adventure centre, situated at Castle Island, Enniskillen, offers a range of activities such as canoeing, archery, hillwalking, and team games.
Meanwhile, another Fermanaghborn business, Erin Grove Preserves, also offers a unique product and customer experience.
Owner, Jayne Paget, attended the business breakfast alongside chef, Claire Murphy, and said that she enjoyed the networking aspect of the event.
“It’s a lovely event, it’s nice to get the morning off and to meet other producers,” she said. “We specialise in jams and chutneys that are handmade, and we use local produce where possible.
“We have been supplying the hotel with jams and marmalades for a few years, and we continue to enjoy a good working relationship.
“It’s good to shop local, and to see that support from local businesses coming full circle.”