Business leaders from across Northern Ireland gathered today as the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce showcased the North West’s potential for investment, innovation, and economic growth.

Held in the Merchant Hotel, the event highlighted the North West’s leading strengths and clearly presented why the region is a great place to live, work and do business. Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons MLA spoke at the event which presented the opportunities that exist in the North West and the plans to create jobs, economic growth, and prosperity in the region.

Hosted by broadcaster Mark Carruthers, the event featured entertainment from renowned singer-songwriter Phil Coulter. Sponsored by Allstate NI and FinTrU, attendees also heard from Derry-based company Elemental and Derry City and Strabane District Council on the benefits and advantages of doing business in the North West.

‘Succeed North West’ was led by the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland, North West Regional College, Ulster University, Western Health and Social Care Trust, and Derry City and Strabane District Council. Key strategic partners involved then plan to take the event on the road across the UK and Ireland and beyond to promote the North West as a leading location on the island of Ireland for business and entrepreneurship.

Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons MLA, said:

“The North West is renowned for its strengths in a number of different industries including advanced manufacturing and engineering; business, finance, and professional services; digital and creative technologies; health and life sciences; and food and drink.

“Add to this, the Derry and Strabane City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund which will see £250m of capital investment in the region. It includes initiatives that will deliver super-charged research centres, enhanced digital infrastructure, and the potential for more, higher paid jobs.

“There is a shared ambition to grow the standing of the North West as a great place to live, work and do business. I am confident that by sharing our knowledge, expertise, and success, we have a better chance of achieving this ambition. With the existing close partnership between the Council, my Department, Invest NI, the Chamber, academia, and business working together to deliver on this, the opportunities for the North West are far-reaching.”

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, added:

“This is a very exciting and positive time for the North West. In recent years, our region has established itself as a leading destination for both foreign and direct investment. While the pandemic has naturally set us back, the outlook as we emerge from Covid is one which is largely optimistic. Businesses big and small are attracted by our world-class talent pool, renowned industry clusters including tech and health and life sciences, strong connectivity, physical and digital infrastructure, and quality of life, with this offering only set to grow as the Derry and Strabane City Deal begins to roll out.

“Succeed North West gathered business, political and civic society leaders from across Northern Ireland and has showcased why the North West City Region is a leading place to live, work and do business. We were very pleased to be joined by the Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons MLA, Kevin Holland, Chief Executive of Invest NI, and other key strategic partners from the North West who are all working hard to develop our region to the fullest of its potential and can attest to our unique advantages for business owners and entrepreneurs.

“We are on the cusp of something great in the North West, something which can benefit businesses, workers and families across the region. Looking forward, I would encourage any growing business to consider investing in our region, and to join the thriving, supportive, and prosperous business community that we have built here.”