Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President Steven Lindsay has said the strength of businesses being built and grown in the North West is giving the region real grounds for confidence as it enters a period of significant economic opportunity, in a speech at the Chamber’s 68th Annual President’s Dinner.
Sponsored by NIE Networks, the evening brought together business leaders, civic representatives, political leaders, and guests from across the region. In his address to guests, Mr. Lindsay pointed to major opportunities including significant public investment committed to the region, plans for the continued expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus, and greater recognition of the North West as a cross-border economy.
He said those developments, combined with the quality and ambition of businesses already operating across the region, created an opportunity to strengthen the North West economy and open up more opportunities for people to build careers and businesses locally.
But he stated confidence needed to be matched by delivery, with commitments made to the region translated into tangible progress.
Steven Lindsay, President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’ve spent most of my career here and I’m as positive about our economic prospects as I can remember.
“There is significant public investment committed, regional balance is firmly on the political agenda and there is growing recognition of the role the North West region can play within the wider economy.
“But whilst commitments have been made, many have still to translate into delivery. We need effective government making decisions, being clear and realistic about priorities and delivering those priorities at pace.”
The Chamber has continued to make the case for the development of Magee as a university of scale, alongside investment that strengthens the region’s skills base and its ability to attract and retain talent.
Mr. Lindsay also pointed to the increasingly connected nature of the Derry and Donegal economies, with businesses recruiting, trading and collaborating across the border and establishing relationships spanning education, healthcare and local government.
However, he said one of the strongest reasons for confidence was already visible in the businesses being created and developed across the North West.
That belief put entrepreneurship at the centre of this year’s President’s Dinner, celebrating both established business success and the next generation of entrepreneurs building companies in the North West.
Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
Two discussions hosted by broadcaster Lynette Fay brought together John Harkin OBE of Alchemy Technology Services and Alistair Hay from Emerald Guitars, along with Stephen Toland, Finneen Bradley, Noma Tholo, Clare Hamilton and Barry Carlin, spanning technology, healthcare, education, digital platforms and mental performance.
Ciarán McManus, Managing Director, NIE Networks, said: “We are proud to sponsor this year’s President’s Annual Dinner. Over many decades the Chamber has been a vital cog in this area, championing innovation and enterprise and enabling collaboration that promotes sustainable growth. As we progress in our individual and collective journeys towards a decarbonised society, the collaboration the Chamber facilitates has never been more important. Our greatest opportunity lies in alignment around a shared delivery plan for energy that delivers the outcomes that matter most: lower energy costs, greater energy security, sustainable growth and long-term economic prosperity.
“We’re currently investing c. £15m per annum in this area to help customers transition away from fossil fuels to meet their energy needs and we have 200 highly skilled employees based in Campsie, near Eglinton, supported by around 100 contracting partner staff, working to deliver on behalf of the homes, farms and businesses in this area.
“That includes our Big Network Rebuild, where we are currently working on 464Km of electricity network in this area to make it more resilient and ready for whatever tomorrow brings. We thank the Chamber for all they do to progress the prosperity of this area and look forward to continuing our work with them in the months and years ahead.”
The Chamber also said supporting businesses to start, grow and scale in the North West must complement efforts to attract external investment, with indigenous companies creating employment, developing talent and helping broaden the region’s economic base.
Mr. Lindsay said the ambition was ultimately to create a North West where more people can see opportunities for themselves, whether choosing to stay, returning after building experience elsewhere or coming to the region to develop a career or business.
Steven Lindsay, President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, concluded: “A stronger North West is good for everyone. It means more opportunities for our young people, more possibilities for our businesses and more reasons for talented people to see their future here. It contributes to the wider economy.
“We already have exceptional businesses and people building that future every day. Our job in Chamber is to champion them, support their ambition and make sure their voice is heard, while continuing to push for the investment and delivery this region needs.”
The 68th Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President’s Dinner took place at the Everglades Hotel, sponsored by NIE Networks. The evening also raised funds for DEEDS, the President’s chosen charity, which empowers people living with dementia and their families.
