The event, hosted by Business in the Community NI, took place at the Mannok Innovation Academy in Derrylin on April 29, 2026.
It was held in partnership with two of County Fermanagh’s largest employers, Mannok and Encirc, with Kevin Lunney of and Fiacre O’Donnell both in attendance representing their companies.
It brought together organisations of all sizes to explore regional approaches to sustainability, environmental leadership and practical climate action.
Dr. Lisa McIlvenna, managing director at 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.”
Case studies were presented by Paul Monaghan, head of sustainability at Mannok, and Fiacre O’Donnell, sustainability director at Encirc.
They shared insights on their companies’ environmental strategies, priorities and real-world actions to reduce their carbon footprints.
Kevin Lunney, COO at Mannok, also took part in a panel discussion and audience Q&A alongside Mark Gilmore, processing engineering manager at Mannok, and Encirc’s Martin Doherty, director of energy transition.
Mr. Monaghan said: “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.”
Mr. O’Donnell 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.”
The event concluded with closing remarks from Minister Muir, who emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving a greener economy.
Mr. Muir said: “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.”
