Over 200 business leaders, politicians, and other invited guests gathered at the City Hotel, Derry yesterday for our President’s Annual Lunch! Sponsored by AIB Merchant Services, the lunch led with the theme ‘Celebrating Innovation’ and fell during Derry and Strabane’s Enterprise Week.

The lunch was a celebration of all things innovation and entrepreneurship in the North West, with a keynote address from Professor Liam Maguire from Ulster University. Professor Maguire updated guests on the progress of the Derry and Strabane City Deal and some of the exciting and innovative projects involved in the deal.

A short panel discussion on innovation was then hosted by event MC Jeananne Craig with Mark Gubbins from Seagate, Kathryn Harkin from Allstate NI, Aaron Peace from C-TRIC, and Jeanette Bryson from Dirty Souls. This was a fascinating discussion between some of the North West’s leading innovators and it was inspiring to hear how local businesses are responding to new and emerging challenges.

In her speech, Chamber President Selina Horshi called for the speedy return of the Executive and Assembly at Stormont and said that Northern Ireland would only maximise the benefits of its unique economic position with stability and certainty. She called on MLAs to work together to resolve any issues and restore local power-sharing as soon as possible, especially in light of the looming 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Thank you to everyone who attended our lunch yesterday and shared in the celebrations. Thanks again to our generous sponsors, AIB Merchant Services, without who events like yesterday would not be possible. And many thanks to everyone for their kind and generous donations in support of La Dolce Vita Project, the Chamber President’s chosen charity for 2023.

Click here to view the full event gallery