In light of the threat to BT jobs in the town, an Enniskillen businessman has shared his plans to propose that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council should send a trade mission to the United States of America to encourage potential foreign direct investment (FDI) here, in the Technology sector.

Michael Cadden, Managing Director of Pat’s Bar, and Lusty Beg Island Resort, revealed his plans when speaking as part of a Vox Pop feature with this newspaper (see below).

“My intention is to put a proposal in to the Council to organise a trade mission, fronted by Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, as a destination management organisation, to try and encourage as much FDI here which, as a region, we have been very poor at.”

Mr. Cadden believes that despite Northern Ireland sitting fourth in the European regions with the most FDI in Europe in IT and tech sectors, the district has not gained from this high ranking.

“We know we are not getting the fair share of FDI, given Northern Ireland is the fourth-most invested region in Europe.

“On the back of the Windsor Framework and the Safeguarding The Union [deal], we have a unique trading position, and, in my opinion, we are not doing enough to ensure that we maximise the benefits of that.”

Further explaining his proposal, he said: “The intention, if support comes from the Council, is that a delegation including local politicians and others can go out to the States, as I have set up a couple of meetings with the Irish-American communities in Chicago, New York and Washington.

“The primary purpose of that visit would be to attract 300 call centre jobs as a direct replacement [to any potential jobs loss at BT].”

Mr. Cadden says the plan came into place when the potential BT jobs threat was announced; however, he also wants to see increased FDI in the region, no matter the outcome of the ongoing BT situation.

“I don’t think this is about BT – this is about FDI into the region. BT has highlighted it [this issue] and given us the kick to go and do something.

“I think we now have a remit to go and find 300 call centre jobs.

“The short and medium knock-on effect of losing those jobs is going to be fairly catastrophic for an area that already has the lowest median income across the 11 council districts.”

Mr. Cadden says that recent accolades that Fermanagh and Omagh have received, including consistently being voted as a top place to live in the UK, and being renowned for the area’s welcome, hospitality, and friendliness, should attract FDI.

“We are not out on a world stage selling that fact,” he emphasised. “We have world-class education which is the envy of everyone; we have a highly-educated young workforce; we have a world-class hospital; we have South West College (SWC).

“If we are setting up industries here around the Tech sector, SWC could create the courses that these companies require.

“We have a natural environment, we have built heritage environment, and yet we are not getting the investment – my question is, why not?”

When asked why he is putting this proposal forward, he said: “My solution is to take the bull by the horns and go and try and get somebody to listen.

“There are certain times you need to lead from the front.

“It is my genuine belief that there is no better place to do business. There could – and should – be more help with the return of the Executive.

“There should be more done to look at areas like Fermanagh to make sure everything is being done that can be done to support development and the growth of businesses.

“With this mission, I don’t see it making any material difference to my business – this is for the Fermanagh and Omagh region as a whole.

“I am a firm believer that a rising tide raises all.”