45 new jobs created by expanding businesses

Rodney Edwards • Published 3 Nov 2011 13:00 0 Comments

THERE has been some good news on the business front in Fermanagh with two local companies defying the downturn yet again.

The continued success of family-run business Gormley Kitchens in Belleek and the award-winning Fivemiletown Creamery means the two companies have been able to create a number of new jobs here. And there's more: Pizza Hut is set to open up at Belmore Street, Enniskillen in time for Christmas, bringing up to 20 new jobs to the area, too.

In what is a particularly difficult climate for so many these businesses continue to look to the future with huge amounts of determination.

"You have to stay positive. You have to keep looking ahead," explained Kevin Gormley, who runs the kitchen and bedroom manufacturing business with wife, Nora.

He says he is pleased that he has been able to maintain and create jobs.

Gormley's, which started in the middle of a recession 25 years, has just commenced the third phase of a contract to refurbish bedrooms for the prestigious Camden Court Hotel in Dublin. The increase in the workload has resulted in them having to build an extension to their factory, and taking on six more staff.

"We are very lucky, but we work hard for it. This is this is probably the best contract we have got; it would one of the biggest we have ever done. We wouldn't be building an extension onto the factory if we didn't have it," he said.

The increase in sales of Fivemiletown Creamery's speciality cheeses has led to the creation of 14 new jobs, bringing the total employment to 88. 110 people applied for the 14 posts, an indication as to how many people are looking for work.

"The new jobs are spread over - two in sales and marketing and the rest in production. The production jobs are about now and are a result of the increase in sales throughout the year on speciality orders. The demand has been so big that we cannot cope so that's why we have been able to take on additional staff," explained Operational Manager Tim Cander.

He says he is "very pleased" with Fivemiletown's current performance. The company, which supplies retailers and over 4,000 delis and farm shops, has also won international acclaim for two new products in the International Dairy Federation's Dairy Innovation Awards 2011, bringing their total number of awards this year alone to 19. "I think it's important to look to the future and actively look for opportunities," added Mr. Cander.

Also this week, Sinn Fein MLA Phil Flanagan has welcomed the news that Pizza Hut is to open a store in Enniskillen in the next month, creating up to 20 jobs.

"This is a fantastic piece of news for the local economy; not only will a significant number of jobs be created in Enniskillen with waiting staff, chefs and delivery drivers all being recruited. "

It was also announced this week that the Lough Erne Hotel, Kesh has been bought by the Castle Group who plan to recruit five more staff in addition to the 24 there now.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 03 Nov 11

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