This year’s President’s Annual Lunch was another outstanding occasion, and we are proud to have provided a platform for our members to connect, celebrate, and look ahead with confidence.

Chamber President Steven Lindsay outlined the theme of this year’s event – “Driving Regional Delivery for National Impact” – highlighting the growing confidence in the North West economy and the role the region can play in strengthening the wider Northern Ireland and island economy.

This year’s President’s Lunch, kindly sponsored by Ulster University and programme sponsor Invest NI, was hosted at Derry’s Millennium Forum bringing together over 200 business leaders, political representatives and civic stakeholders from across Northern Ireland and the North West.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA addressed attendees and took the opportunity to highlight the growing economic momentum in the North West. Junior Minister Joanne Bunting MLA also spoke to the importance of delivering regional balance as a means of growing the Northern Ireland economy.

The event featured a fireside conversation between Bubblebum founder Gráinne Kelly and host Jim Fitzpatrick, as well as a panel discussion examining indigenous entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth in the region. Panel participants included Jennifer Neff, Founder of Hightop and Entrepreneur in Residence at The AMP; Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy; Myles Patton, Principal Economist at Ulster University; and tech entrepreneur and investor Paul McElvaney of Leap Forward.

In his remarks, Chamber President Steven Lindsay highlighted a series of recent investments and developments in the North West as evidence of growing confidence in the regional economy. These included Dunnes Stores’ €15 million investment in the redevelopment of its Foyleside store, the expansion of Vertiv creating around 200 new jobs linked to global demand in AI and data centres, and investment supporting the growth of emerging technology firms such as Optik AI.

The President also emphasised the importance of continued investment in education and skills, highlighting the expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus towards the Programme for Government target of 10,000 students as a pivotal moment in the long-term economic development of the region.

Steven Lindsay, President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, said:

 “Today’s event is an opportunity to reflect not only on the progress that has been made across the North West economy, but also on the role this region can play in strengthening the wider Northern Ireland and island economy.

“Across the region we are seeing clear signs of growing momentum – from new investment and job creation to the expansion of Ulster University at Magee and the continued delivery of the Derry and Strabane City Deal.

“The message from the North West business community is clear: when regional economies are supported to deliver, they can generate impact far beyond their immediate geography.

“The North West has the talent, the ambition and the partnerships required to drive that delivery, and we look forward to continuing to work with government and our partners across business, education and civic life to realise the full potential of this region.

The continued support of the business community makes events like this truly impactful and we remain committed to championing the growth and ambition of businesses across the North West.

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