A further extension to Enniskillen Business Centre on the Tempo Road that could create up to 15 new jobs was officially opened on Monday by Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Councillor Frank Britton, Chairman of Policy and Resource Committee, Fermanagh District Council
Situated in Lackaghaboy Industrial Estate, the new £839,000 extension is the third phase in a series of investments by enterprise agency, Fermanagh Enterprise Limited.
It includes a 7,817 sq ft high specification office block, offering 13 new offices and three specialist industrial units.
The project has been funded by the IFI which contributed £343,000 and Fermanagh District Council, which provided co-funded support of £250,000 through the European Regional Development Fund under the Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme. The remaining funding has been raised by Fermanagh Enterprise Ltd.
It was set up in 1985 to promote employment and to assist with the economic regeneration in the Fermanagh area through the promotion and support of the small business sector and the provision of affordable workspace units for start-up and established businesses.
Last year alone (April 2007 to April 2008), the agency assisted over 247 new business start-ups within the Fermanagh District Council area with the potential to create 590 jobs and contribute to the local community of up to £14million in their first year of trading.
Speaking at the official opening, Mr Rooney said: "The International Fund for Ireland has enjoyed a successful relationship with Fermanagh Enterprise Ltd since it was established in 1985 and we are delighted to be able to offer once again our support to the group."
"The Board of Enniskillen Business Centre has consistently proved that enterprise can be nurtured through the provision of affordable workspace. In fact, its track record in providing a supportive environment for new and growing businesses has led to Fermanagh having one of the strongest and most vibrant small business sectors in Northern Ireland.
"I would personally like to congratulate everyone involved in this latest project which will make a major contribution to the local economy for years to come."
Councillor Britton said Fermanagh District Council was very proud to be one of the funders of the project.
" Initiatives such as this which strengthen and develop the incubation infrastructure are vital for the growth and vitality of our local economy.
"Fermanagh has traditionally had one of the highest rates of business start-ups in Northern Ireland. There is no doubt the high rate of business start-up is related to the availability of good quality workspace throughout the County.
"Congratulations to Fermanagh Enterprise Ltd for developing this superb new centre for small businesses."
John O'Kane, the Chairman of Fermanagh Enterprise Ltd, said: "We are very proud as a board to have been involved in what has become a vibrant and thriving Local Enterprise Agency and an exemplar of best practice in enterprise promotion anywhere in Europe.
"We have relied heavily on support from both the International Fund for Ireland and Fermanagh District Council to achieve this, and we are very grateful for their support once again in our latest extension'
Fermanagh District Council currently has the third highest number of business start-ups in Northern Ireland, following Belfast and Derry.
This new building will bring the total number of workspace units in Enniskillen Business Centre to 63 with the potential to employ over 150 people.
