Allstate NI hails North West’s ‘ingenuity and innovation’

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Northern Ireland’s largest IT company has praised the North West’s “resilience, ingenuity and innovation” as it celebrates its 20th year in business locally.

Allstate NI provides high-quality software development services and business solutions to support its parent company, the US-based insurance giant Allstate Corporation. It began its Derry operations in 2001 with 20 staff, and now employs more than 900 people in the area.

Managing Director and Vice President of Allstate NI, John Healy, said: “Our initial setup in Derry was about accessing the deep talent pool in the region.

“What we have managed to achieve in the past 20 years is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity and innovation of our community in the North West.”

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New PPE firm opens in Campsie

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Health Minister Robin Swann has officially opened a Campsie-based manufacturing facility supplying vital PPE to health workers.

NorthWest Medical has created 25 new jobs after being awarded a £6.5m contract to supply Type IIR face masks to the health service in Northern Ireland.

Minister Swann said: “Demand for PPE has soared during the pandemic with many health systems around the world facing challenges in securing stocks of protective equipment. In Northern Ireland, we saw local manufacturers and businesses quickly diversify, recognising that their skills, expertise and assembly lines could be repurposed and they too could join the fight against this virus.”

Director of NorthWest Medical, Gavin Killeen, added: “We are exploring how we can move into other areas so that we can continue to create employment locally and at the same time support our health service by providing a resilient supply line.”

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E&I Engineering announces 100 new jobs after Vertiv deal

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North West firm E&I Engineering will recruit 100 new staff in the next year after its acquisition by the US-based infrastructure solutions and services company Vertiv.

The electrical switchgear manufacturer has plants across Derry and Donegal and employs more than 2,100 people worldwide.

With all current roles to be safeguarded in the takeover, E&I says it will recruiting around 100 new staff across its three locations in the North West in the next year.

Ohio-headquartered Vertiv offers power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services to customers in the data centre, communications, commercial and industrial markets. It has a workforce of over 20,000 across more than 130 countries.

E&I Engineering founder and chief executive, Philip O’Doherty, said: “We are excited to join the Vertiv team and continue to grow our business through Vertiv’s global reach, strong channel presence and great customer positioning in critical digital infrastructures.”

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Derry’s Elemental acquired by Servelec

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Local social prescribing company Elemental Software has announced its acquisition by UK health informatics firm Servelec.

Founded in 2013 by two former community development workers, the Derry-based business provides technology to connect people with support and services in their community, address social issues, and improve wellbeing.

Following the sale to Servelec, a leading supplier of digital care software, Elemental will continue to operate from its Guildhall Street headquarters under its own brand and leadership team.

Leeann Monk-Ozgul, COO and co-founder of Elemental, said: “Bringing together our systems with Servelec’s will help us in our mission to achieve the best possible health outcomes for even more people. Interoperability in health and social care is extremely important to help ensure no one is left behind and to maximise the power of technology to support communities.”

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INVEST NI INNOVATION VOUCHER CLINICS

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Is your business looking for help or guidance with research and innovation? Perhaps your product, service or process requires expertise that is outside your current R&D capacity? Did you know that the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network can help?

To compete in the challenging global business environment, indigenous companies face an ever-increasing demand for advancement and innovation.

Recent data also strongly indicates that companies who collaborate with third-level institutes on research, development, and innovation, have double the turnover of those that do not, and these companies are also likely to have significantly greater sales and export revenues.

Invest NI in collaboration with the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network can assist you with funding and the specialist expertise you require. The Wireless Sensor and Applied Research Lab (WiSAR) Technology Gateway develop electronic products and software using expertise in the internet of things, while PEM (Precision Engineering and Manufacturing)Technology Gateway provide mechanical engineering and process improvements, with specialisation in product design and development in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Invest NI’s next £5,000 Innovation Voucher call opens on September 5th and to coincide with this, both WiSAR, based in LYIT and PEM, based in Sligo IT, are holding joint Innovation Voucher Clinics on the 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd of September. These clinics offer free one-on-one consultations, where businesses can discuss potential ideas for R&D projects under the scheme.

To book your free consultation at the Innovation Voucher Clinics visit:

https://bookwhen.com/wisarlab/

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Derry’s Favourite Circus Festival Is Back! Carnival Of Colours Hits The City For 2021

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In Your Space Circus (IYSC) is bringing its flagship Circus, Arts and Music Festival, Carnival of Colours to the City Centre for the 14th edition of one of Derry’s favourite headline events. Carnival of Colours, which usually takes place in St Columb’s Park, has up-rooted and relocated to Derry’s stunning City Centre. Taking place on the 4th and 5th September, the programme for the weekend will be jam-packed with circus-themed treats featuring the very best of International Street Theatre, IYSC’s own walkabout characters, workshops in circus and roller-skating, graffiti arts demos, portrait painting, music right across the city and much, much more! The headline shows will include acrobatics, juggling, diabolo, clowning, comedy, physical theatre and some crazy dance moves thrown in for good measure! Acts will include Mimbre (all-female acrobatic troupe), Nakupelle (world renowned clown), Jitterbug Jackson (Master of all things circus) and Tumble Circus (acrobats who achieve near impossible feats of gravity!).

Carnival of Colours, 4th – 5th September, Derry/Londonderry City Centre

Incredible local artists will also be showcasing their talents and bringing a weekend of pure joy to the people of the North-West and visitors to the City! Tying in with the Cathedral Quarter Weekend event, we will be breathing life into the Cathedral Quarter area of the City with a stage located at Society Street Carpark, and walkabout characters entertaining those who will be roaming the traffic-free streets around St Columb’s Cathedral.

Lots of other activity will be taking place in the area including ‘Sounds of the City’ a music and performance trail featuring the best of the best local musicians, programmed by Music Capital. Carny Corner, in the Garden of Reflection, will immerse you in the world of circus with IYSC Youth Circus shows, circus skills workshops, portrait painting and screen printing at the Derry Print Workshop.

The Festival attracts people of all ages from right across the Derry-Londonderry area and visitors to the city; it brings people together from all walks of life for a shared cultural experience. It also highlights Derry City as an exciting, beautiful and progressive destination for events and arts activity.  Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, said: “We are delighted to be working with In Your Space Circus on delivering the fantastic Carnival of Colours.”The Carnival puts smiles on lots of faces and adds such a fun, upbeat atmosphere to our city centre as we slowly return back to normal life. “There are loads of elements to the Carnival of Colours so there will be plenty of entertainment for both kids and adults alike. I would really encourage everyone to visit the city centre, check it out and support our local businesses in the process! “In 2021 the Festival is supported by Tourism NI, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland. A number of local cafes and restaurants are also supporting the event by feeding and watering our artists and volunteers!  

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, “It’s truly heart-warming to see the Carnival of Colours back for 2021, spreading amazement and joy across the city.  Once again the IYSC team have curated a fabulously fun programme with something to suit all tastes, from the very young, to the very young at heart!  I would encourage everyone to get outdoors this September and enjoy everything that this terrific celebration of circus has to offer.” IYSC is particularly proud to be bringing the Festival back to the city after an extremely challenging 18-months for the arts and events industry. The organisation and local artists, who rely on the Company for income, have suffered great losses due to the pandemic. All activity will be delivered in line with Covid guidelines and every precaution will be taken to keep audiences and participants safe.

Carnival of Colours is a showcase and celebration of In Your Space Circus’s year-round work including the Circus School and its street theatre and performance work delivered across Northern Ireland. Cath McBride, IYSC’s Company Director said: “We are thrilled to be back and at it this year. We have so greatly appreciated the support of our funders and the general public in helping us to recover and bring this unique event back to its audience. We aim to ensure that the 2021 Carnival of Colours is a celebration of the city, of our artists and participants, of circus, and of our wonderful audiences. We are confident that there is something in the programme for everyone and that it will give families a fabulous opportunity to spend some quality time together!”   

For the full Carnival of Colours programme visit: www.inyourspaceni.org/carnivalFor more information on events happening on 4th & 5th September, visit summernorthwest.com

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Weekend of fun planned for Derry’s historic Cathedral Quarter

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The Cathedral Quarter is preparing to welcome visitors for a weekend of entertainment and animation this September and the opportunity to enjoy a visit to its charming historic streets and shops completely traffic free.

A weekend of events is planned for the Cathedra Quarter on 4th – 5th September.

Within the area surrounding St Columb’s Cathedral a small network of streets lies tucked within the City’s famous Walls, where a cornucopia of cafes, restaurants, galleries and heritage venues ply their trade. The area has gained renown as a unique cultural quarter, popular with visitors following the heritage trail around Derry’s most celebrated landmarks, and those seeking out some of the City’s more quirky shops and galleries.On September 4th and 5th the streets of Upper Magazine St, Society Street, Place St, Pump St and Artillery St will close to traffic to offer additional space for a programme of fun animation, street performance, music and outdoor trading as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s campaign to support local businesses in the wake of Covid-19.

The Covid Revitalisation and Recovery Programme is supported by the Department for Communities, introducing a range of measures in recent months to boost trade and restore customer confidence. The plans have involved the reimagining and reconfiguring of public spaces, providing more open, customer friendly areas featuring new street furniture and covered areas. Pilot traffic free zones such as the one planned for the Cathedral Quarter will allow venues, organisations and visitors to make better use of urban spaces and will help shape plans for the streetscapes of the future.

But for now it’s all about bringing life and colour back to our town and city centres, as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Graham Warke, explains. “This pilot scheme is just one of a full programme of measures geared towards supporting our local businesses and kick starting the local economy after what has been a prolonged period of inactivity and uncertainty.”Over the summer months we have enjoyed some fantastic pop up animation which has reintroduced some fun in a safe and controlled way as we begin the cautious return to normal life. It will take time, but Council has been working closely with the local business community and listening to their needs to see how we can best channel resources to have a maximum impact on the Covid Recovery.”I’m really looking forward to this weekend of activity in the Cathedral Quarter, which is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. I hope to see lots of people taking the opportunity to visit the area, and to see for themselves all it has to offer in terms of history, architecture, culture and retail.”Business, arts organisations and venues in the area have been involved in programming for the CQ Weekend which will offer a blend of entertainment, extended opening hours, access to attractions, special offers, and outdoors trading.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “My Department introduced the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme to support our towns and city centres in their recovery. Derry City and Strabane District Council has received over £1.6 million through the programme. I hope that events such as the Cathedral Quarter Weekend will continue to encourage people back into our towns and city centres to spend time supporting our local businesses, and ultimately help to keep our town and city centres alive and prosperous. The continued partnership working between local and central government and the business community will also help local businesses continue with their recovery”.

The Cathedral Quarter weekend will run from Saturday September 4th – Sunday September 5th from 10am – 6pm daily. That weekend will also see the return of In Your Space’s Carnival of Colours to city centre streets, the Walled City Market and some Legenderry Street Food Events on London Street. More Information on all the activities can be found at summernorthwest.com.

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Version 1 teams up with Aware NI to support Work Life Balanced ethos

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Version 1, the global IT services company currently recruiting remote working staff in the North West, has teamed up with mental health charity Aware NI to help ensure that its employees are fully supported during COVID-19.  

Invest Derry Strabane – which recently launched the Work Life Balanced campaign in association with Version 1, aimed at promoting the North West as a premium remote working destination – has welcomed the company’s initiatives which also include supporting the local community where their staff are based.

Version 1 took the decision to support a mental health charity when the consequences of the pandemic became overwhelmingly apparent during the last 18 months. People were forced to adapt to significant lifestyle changes, such as working from home and limiting social interactions. This in turn led to an increase in people experiencing isolation, anxiety, stress, and grief at losing loved ones.

Additionally, the tech firm’s commitment to supporting the local community is a critical element of its core values. Community First is Version 1’s main Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and is driven locally by the employees. The aim of this scheme is to improve employment opportunities in communities by supporting awareness, education, and access by leveraging technology and skills.

Community First is locally driven, enabling each Version 1 office to support causes they care about in their particular area. Some of the Community First initiatives include mentoring, helping local schools, grinds, tackling youth homelessness and community engagement.

Version 1 has also been officially recognised as a Healthy Place to Work. This was achieved by engaging employees in the completion of a robust survey covering four pillars – purpose, mental resilience, connection and physical health – which gathered insight into their experience of work. From the results, the company was able to put together a plan identifying paths to improvement, which subsequently led to the prestigious certification.

Lorna McAdoo, Director of Operations and Business Development NI at Version 1, said: “Our support for Aware NI stemmed from a wish to highlight the mental toll that the pandemic has been inflicting on so many people. The charity helps people realise that it is okay not to be okay, and this service has proved to be invaluable. We have also benefitted from online sessions held by Aware NI to help us all with various tools to use during this time to reinforce resilience and ensure we have been adapting well to the working from home model.

“We are also extremely proud of the visible efforts the company has made to reach out to local communities, and our Community First activities have enabled many people to access education and skills that drive employment opportunities.

“In addition, Version 1’s recognition as a Healthy Place to Work in Northern Ireland was a significant milestone for our company. Being spread across five countries presents its own set of challenges and it has been absolutely critical to ensure our employees are happy and healthy. We have been able to benchmark our progress through the data provided during the process and are now updating and creating initiatives and strategies across our operations to ensure our workforce is the healthiest it can be.”

Rosalind Young, Investment Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “Version 1’s approach to dealing with the impact of COVID-19 is exemplary. The company’s commitment to providing mental help and support is evident through their partnership with Aware NI, and their track record of maintaining a community-focused approach is also welcomed as they expand their workforce in the North West.

“I would also like to congratulate Version 1 on their official recognition as a Healthy Place to Work. With the company bringing many highly skilled new jobs to the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, we are delighted that their staff will benefit from our Work Life Balanced campaign.”

For more information on the Version 1 roles available in the North West and to apply, visit the Invest DS jobs portal at www.investderrystrabane.com/worklife

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Version 1 NI Awarded the Diversity Mark NI Bronze Accreditation

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According to DMNI, Diversity Mark is a ‘Mark of Progress’ that publicly declares commitment to building more diverse and inclusive workplaces to benefit all employees.

Jonas Cella, co-chair of the Version 1 NI commented “Receiving the Bronze Diversity Mark is an important milestone for us. It shows we are on the right track to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and makes Version 1 a great place to work in Northern Ireland. At Version 1 diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make every day”

Christine White, Head of Diversity Mark NI commented: “We are delighted to recognise Version 1 for their commitment to Diversity by awarding them the Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation.   

Our independent assessment panel commended Version 1 on a reflective application looking at a variety of specific and strategic interventions which will have the potential to collectively shape a truly inclusive culture and begin to address the gender balance across all levels of their business.

We congratulate everyone at Version 1 on this achievement and look forward to working with them on their Diversity journey over the next number of years.”

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Summer in the North West offering host of fun activities for families

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Families looking for activities to do together in Derry and Donegal can now access a specific section of the recently launched Summer in the North West website and app where a host of fun options have been added.
The Family Fun section aims to offer visitors and locals a convenient and joined up way to get active together. Whether it’s tours, dancing or water sports you’re after, the website and app offers a one stop shop where you can see where is open and what’s happening and plan your days out. From outdoor adventure, “pop up” shows, summer clubs, local festivals and cultural experiences to online activities for a rainy day at home or in the caravan, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

Hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council with partners in Donegal County Council, Summer in the North West brings together what’s happening across the North West to make it easy for locals and visitors to access.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, launched the service earlier this month. “Summer in the North West aims to offer a joined up platform to make it easier for families and friends to try something different, go somewhere new or see something different in the region,” he said. “We are one of the most diverse regions on the island boasting a host of outstanding natural escapes and vibrant cultural experiences.”With the Walled City of Derry, Sperrins, Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route all on our doorstep, you’ll never be short of an epic view or a tranquil spot to get away from it all.”Maybe you’ll find yourself trekking with alpacas at the Wild Alpaca Way, kayaking at midnight, wandering the Cathedral Quarter Antiques and Vintage Trail or taking in a leisurely lunch after a gallery visit.”As part of the Summer in the North West programme, local arts and festival groups are offering a broad range of outdoor activity including four new outdoor shows from In Your Space Circus and Echo Echo which will tour the NW through August.

Rachel Melaugh from In Your Space Circus explained more: “In Your Space Circus are delighted to be getting out and about this summer and bringing some socially distanced, safe and fun street theatre to local audiences.”We’ll be popping up with some of the best of Irish Circus, spreading the love with our Trippy Hippies and our Olympic goddesses – The Land Syncro Swim team will be back with their brand new show ‘The Big Splash’ – making serious concrete waves.”You won’t want to miss it, we are thrilled and so grateful to have been given the opportunity to develop new work in such a challenging time for the arts and we are so looking forward to taking to the streets again.”

John Kerr, Arts and Culture Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, added:”These summer commissions are an initiative of the NW Audience Development project delivered in partnership by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council and approved for delivery by the North West Regional Development Group (NWRDG) in conjunction with and supported by the Executive Office and the Irish Government.” This promises to be a lot of fun and supports our aim of supporting delivery across wider areas and connecting with new audiences”


For more details and links to individual programmes, opening times, booking and access information to make your summer story visit www.summernorthwest.com​ and go to the Family Fun section. 

Why not download our App for your handy guide, available now by searching What’s On Derry Strabane in the Apple or Google Play store. Follow @WhatsOnDS on social media and share your #SummerStories.

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