As a small community, we focus a lot on the ‘brain drain’; the exodus of young people from Fermanagh, destined for greater things in far-flung places across the globe.

But is it not a wonderful thing that they have the opportunity to travel, to see the world, to experience different cultures, religions and ethnicities, to build a successful well-paid career if that is what their heart desires?

Some will come back to set up a life here and some will not.

As we lament their departure, let’s not forget the scores of young, hard-working people who have actively chosen to live and work here, in this picturesque lakeland county.

The Impartial Reporter Business page regularly features a local business person who has made the conscious decision to set up a venture in their home county, often against the odds, because they appreciate the pace and quality of life they can experience here. 

Many of those featured have grown up in a family business and harbour no desire to live or work elsewhere.

Others have had a career elsewhere but have been pulled home by a subconscious longing for Fermanagh.

Recently, I interviewed Anaeko, a technology company headquartered in Belfast that has decided to open a development centre in Enniskillen rather than outsourcing to India. That office will be staffed by the company’s Fermanagh employees who are delighted that they will no longer have to commute to Belfast each day.

I asked accountant Donna Whyte what it takes to be an entrepreneur in Fermanagh and she replied: “You need to be a very honest person. Fermanagh is so small. If someone hears a bad story, it travels so fast and so far and you can’t get rid of it. The key thing to me is to ensure that I am very honest with everyone I talk to. You also need guts.” 

David Kenwell, who recently took over the family business in Dromore said: “I never had any ambition to do anything else. It was a foregone conclusion that I would be coming into the business. There’s no better thing you can do than to carry on a legacy that’s been there for 100 years. My one hope is that I can keep it going and hopefully expand.”

A desire to leave the hustle and bustle of London and settle back home in Fermanagh is driving Joe McGirr’s successful Boatyard gin venture. He told this newspaper: “Fermanagh is really important to us and that’s something we want to shout about.”

Brother and sister Michael and Gillian Beare gave up promising careers in Finance and Pharmacy to return home to “re-imagine” their parents’ tourism business. They have caught the world’s attention through their innovative ‘bubble dome’ accommodation, drawing more tourists to Fermanagh.

At the former Fisher Engineering site in Ballinamallard (now Severfield NI), Managing Director Brian Keys is adamant that the skills and work ethic of local employees has ensured that the company continues to secure prestigious projects in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. He said: “We can compete with any of the major players. Our workforce is second to none. It’s the ability, skills, resources and excellent work ethic of this company that makes it a major player within the group.”

These are just a few examples of the determined entrepreneurs who are the life-blood of our local economy.

They should be supported by government and recognised for their tireless perseverance.