FERMANAGH and Omagh is one of the best places to start a business in the North, despite concerns that the future of stores and shops in the county’s High Street are under major pressure.
Following on from the cost of living crisis and the rise in National Insurance rate, some business owners in Enniskillen have been speaking out about their fears for their futures of their industries.
A recent study, carried out by leading business energy expert ‘Utility Bidder’, revealed that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is one of the best regions to start a business in the North.
The county has one of the highest survival rate for businesses within the first five years of starting up at 51.3-per-cent. It’s welcome news for local entrepreneurs who have set up their businesses.
Although its well behind the likes of Mid Ulster and Newry, Mourne and Down, Fermanagh and Omagh has a 55.1-per-cent employment rate, in positive news for the local business sector.
Noelle McAloon from Enniskillen Business Improvement District recent said that a number of business owners in the county town are concerned following recent government changes.
“Businesses are probably just coping,” Ms McAloon told the ‘Herald.
“While it’s my job to say Enniskillen has a lot going for it, it’s also my job to say that running a business in the climate is extremely difficult. The economic crisis is very, very tough.
“With the National Insurance rise, that’s money coming out of employers. Anyone that is opening their doors is doing well and we need to support them and recognise it’s a struggle for them.”
Calls have also increased for more support for the High Street in Enniskillen in a bid to support the struggling business owners and also increase more footfall into the town centre.
“We can make a small amount of money go far but we’re not getting funding from the Council or the Department for Communities. No High Street is,” the Enniskillen BID spokesperson said.
“Council budgets are tight and their budget in town centres have reduced. We’ve got no CCTV in Enniskillen, the fireworks have been dissolved and the Christmas lights budget isn’t growing.”