Strabane-based McColgan’s Quality Foods has secured two major accolades at last week’s AIB Business Eye Awards, winning Manufacturer of the Year and receiving a highly commended recognition in the Family Business of the Year category.

The success is particularly welcome news at Derry Chamber HQ, with William McColgan, Director of McColgan’s Quality Foods, also serving as Vice President of Derry Chamber, helping to represent the interests of businesses across the region.

The awards recognise the company’s continued success in manufacturing and its standing as a family business, highlighting the contribution of local businesses to the wider North West economy.

The recognition comes at the same time as further positive news for the region’s economic development, with Invest NI confirming plans for a new North West Regional Office at Ebrington Plaza in Derry.

Announced by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the new office will provide a dedicated base for Invest NI to work with local businesses, entrepreneurs, partner organisations and potential investors. The 299sqm Grade A premises will include meeting rooms, a boardroom and dedicated office space for Invest NI staff.

Aeidin McCarter, Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Kieran Donoghue at Ebrington Plaza
Pictured (L-R): Aeidin McCarter, Head of Regional Business for the North West at Invest NI, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest NI.

The move forms part of the Minister’s Sub Regional Economic Plan and follows the appointment of Aeidin McCarter to lead Invest NI’s North West region. The agency has agreed a 10-year lease at Ebrington Plaza, with the office expected to open in early 2027.

Invest NI supported 263 projects in the North West last year, which are expected to generate more than £80 million in investment and create over 400 new jobs.

The new office will provide businesses with a more accessible point of contact for specialist support and advice, while offering a base from which Invest NI can engage with inward investors and showcase the region’s opportunities.

For the North West, the combination of recognition for established local businesses and continued investment in regional economic infrastructure reflects the importance of supporting enterprise, encouraging investment, and creating the conditions for sustainable growth.

With businesses such as McColgan’s Quality Foods demonstrating the strength of the region’s manufacturing and family business sectors, and business leaders such as William McColgan contributing to regional representation, the North West continues to build on its potential as a place to do business, invest and grow.