North West Momentum: Cruise boom, cross-border education agreement and EY award finalists showcase Derry Chamber members’ impact

 The North West is riding a wave of success, with four Derry Chamber members announcing milestones that underline the region’s economic strength and collaborative spirit.

Foyle Port has announced an ambitious upcoming cruise schedule – between May and September 2025, seventeen vessels, five of them making maiden visits, will berth on our shores. This represents a 21 per cent increase on the pre-pandemic high of 2019. More than 5,000 passengers and 3,700 crew are expected to step ashore, injecting an estimated £0.5 million into our local economy.

Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations Director, said:

“The consistent return of cruise lines year after year speaks volumes about the reputation of our destination. We look forward to working with our strategic partners to collectively welcome over 5,000 passengers and 3,700 crew from all over the world this season.”

Elsewhere, Chamber member North West Regional College (NWRC) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to deepen research, teaching and skills links, and marks a significant step forward in cross-border educational collaboration. The agreement sets out a framework to enhance academic, research, and innovation cooperation across the North West City Region and seeks to benefit students, staff, employers, and communities through greater integration, shared resources, and new learning opportunities.

CEO and Principal of NWRC, Leo Murphy said:

“This MoU represents a bold and exciting step in strengthening our shared commitment to regional development and educational excellence. By deepening collaboration with ATU, we are creating real opportunities for learners, staff, and industry across the North West.”

 Local manufacturers are also in the spotlight thanks to the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EoY) awards. Martin Tierney, Managing Director of Chamber member Seating Matters, is a finalist in the international category, recognising the company’s export success with specialist healthcare seating.

Speaking to his recent success, Martin said:

“I’m truly honoured to be named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. This recognition is not mine alone—it’s a credit to my co-director brothers, Jonathan and Ryan, with whom I’ve had the privilege of starting and growing our company.

“Our chairs are used in hospitals, long-term care facilities and in people’s own homes all over the world and we are now expanding via the Tierco Healthcare Group & our group companies including Advanced Seating & A1 Risk Solutions. We are proud to serve caregivers who dedicate themselves to serving patients residents, or their loved ones every single day. Our mission is simple: to give caregivers the means to care.”

William McColgan, Director of Chamber member McColgan’s Quality Foods, is shortlisted in the ‘established’ category, and joins Martin Tierney as one of only three Northern Ireland names in the 2025 EoY Awards shortlist.

Speaking about the accolade, William McColgan said:

“It is a genuine honour to be shortlisted in the 2025 EoY Awards. As always, the level of talent, ambition and innovation amongst the finalists is incredible and it is humbling to be in such company. 

“The recognition is also a reflection of the brilliant, talented people at every level of McColgan’s, who are driving the business forward collectively. I’m thrilled to be setting out on the EoY journey and look forward to getting to know the other finalists and sharing this experience together.”

The overall winner will go on to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Monaco next June.

From welcoming thousands of international cruise passengers and forging new educational pathways, to exporting life‑changing healthcare products and winning entrepreneurial acclaim, Derry Chamber members are showcasing the North West’s entrepreneurial spirit, collaboration and competitive edge on a global stage.