Andrew Fleming has been appointed the 82nd President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting.

Andrew is Chief Executive of FNW Group, a parent company made up of Fleming Steel, Fleming Doors and Fleming Coatings based Donegal; Norwest Roofing Systems in Omagh; Limavady Roller Doors in Limavady and BES Solutions in Belfast.

In his address at the AGM, Andrew thanked outgoing President Greg McCann for his contribution to Derry Chamber, and spoke of the potential that is ready to be unlocked in the North West, as well as his ambitions for 2025.

Andrew will be supported in his role by Steven Lindsey from Cavanagh Kelly Accountancy, as Chamber Vice President.

The Chamber also welcomed new board members William McColgan, Director of McColgan’s Quality Foods in Strabane, and Clare McGee, CEO and Co-Founder of Awaken Angels in Derry.

Speaking to members at the AGM, Chamber President Andrew Fleming said:

“The North West City Region is brimming with potential just waiting to be unlocked. I have taken over as President in what is a very positive time for our region, with the Executive’s commitment to regional balance and review of Invest NI, the signing of the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane Region City Deal, and ambitious plans as part of the All-Island strategic rail review, to name just a few. This progress has been aided by the diligent team at Derry Chamber and the many Presidents that have come before me.

“However, the time for talking and signing agreements is over – now is the time to see diggers in the ground, and the foundations of our future being laid. Now is the opportunity for our people to be invested in, and not just our region.

“I will set out to be a trusted voice for our local businesses and promote the crucial collaborative partnerships that are needed between our public, private and education sectors and strive towards ambitious regional collaboration.

“In this spirit of progression and positivity, I am thrilled to announce that my chosen charity as Chamber President is In Your Space Circus, who do outstanding work in utilising circus and street theatre in Derry to bring communities together, create social change, address inequalities and champion lifelong learning.

“I would also like to thank Greg for his remarkable leadership and commitment during the past year and I look forward to working with the Chamber team in the weeks and months ahead to champion the North West region and our outstanding businesses.”

Outgoing President Greg McCann added:

“Holding the role of Chamber President over the past 12 months has been a tremendous privilege, both professionally and personally. During my time as President I have worked to strengthen our voice in the North West and ensure that we are heard by our elected representatives and Ministers, that our potential is seen, and that our region receives the investment that it deserves.

“I take great encouragement from the plans and investments announced for the North West by the Executive this year, and I know that Andrew will diligently carry on the work of Derry Chamber in supporting further development in the North West and ensuring this renewed economic vision for the North West becomes a reality.

“I have great hope for both the future of Derry Chamber and our region as we enter this new chapter.”