The event was attended by Andrew Muir, Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs who was among the guest speakers.

The event brought professionals from organisations of all sizes and from all sectors in Fermanagh to explore what sustainability means in practice at a regional level, with a particular focus on environmental responsibility and leadership.

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI, emphasised how place-based leadership matters and outlined BITC’s role as a convenor.

Attendees heard case studies from Mannok Head of Sustainability, Paul Monaghan, and Encirc Sustainability Director Fiacre O’Donnell, who provided insights on their environmental priorities and practical actions.

An informative panel discussion and audience Q&A involving Kevin Lunney, COO, Mannok, Mark Gilmore Processing Engineering Manager, Mannok, Fiacre O’Donnell, Sustainability Director, Encirc and Martin Doherty Director of Energy Transition, Encirc was also part of the activities before Minister Muir concluded with the Closing Remarks.

Minister Muir commented: “Northern Ireland’s transition to a greener economy will only succeed through strong partnership between government and business. The leadership demonstrated by organisations taking part in this work shows that environmental responsibility is a driver of innovation, investment and sustainable growth. By supporting initiatives such as the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey through the Carrier Bag Levy Fund, we are helping businesses track progress, strengthen performance and plan with confidence as we move towards a circular, low‑carbon economy.”

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community said: “At this showcase event in Fermanagh, Mannok and Encirc clearly demonstrated how practical action, innovation, and collaboration around environmental issues can create solutions for businesses beyond the environment, strengthen communities, and support the local economy.

“As the responsible business network in Northern Ireland, Business in the Community exists to support organisations at every stage of their sustainability journey. Events like this demonstrate the power of business working together to drive real change for people, planet and place.”

Paul Monaghan, Head of Sustainability, Mannok, added: “We were delighted to facilitate this important Business In The Community NI event at the Mannok Innovation Academy alongside our friends at Encirc.

“As a cement producer, decarbonisation clearly sits at the top of our agenda, and it was good to be able to discuss some of the projects we have undergone to try and meet our goals as well as showcase our educational partnerships and community impact.

“One of the key messages for local business is that sustainability is a profit centre. Investments will build short-term resilience to economic uncertainties and long-term prosperity for you and local communities which benefit the wider region.”

Fiacre O’Donnell, Sustainability Director at Encirc said: “We were delighted to participate in the Business in the Community’s Environmental Leadership Programme and to also partner with our neighbours, Mannok.

“Since 2013, we have worked closely with BITC to strengthen our role as a responsible leader, embedding sustainability at the heart of our strategy and decision-making.

“As we highlighted on the day, our commitment goes far beyond simply reducing carbon emissions; it encompasses a broader vision of creating lasting environmental and social value, driving innovation, and placing people at the forefront of all we do.”

To find out more about how Business in the Community can support your organisation with its environmental and climate goals, visit www.bitcni.org.uk/environment.