Ulster University’s Talent Hub Grand Finale Showcases Next Generation of North West Leaders in Style

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Over 100 students and employers took part, pitched for placements and event featured a live podcast hosted by Caroline O’Neill, founder of DiggforSuccess with FinTrU’s Executive Director, Greg McCann.

Ulster University Business School celebrates the next generation of North West leaders who successfully completed the 2023 Talent Hub, concluding the programme in style with a Grand Finale event at the Great Hall at Derry~Londonderry campus this week.

‘Talent Hub’ is an innovative initiative, co-designed with key industry partner FinTrU and in collaboration with The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, aimed to connect talented students with local employers to help them foster professional networks, whilst committing future talent to the North West region.

Nearly 100 Global Business and Enterprise students participated in a series of four co-designed workshops, collaboratively created between Ulster University Business School and North West businesses. These workshops equipped students with essential skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities, enhancing their potential employability and ensuring skill alignment with employer needs in the working world.

As part of the event, the ‘Pitch for Placement’ segment saw the business students showcasing their talents to a captivated audience of over 20 local employers and business leaders such as FinTrU, Alchemy, Fujitsu, Kainos, Deloitte and Bio Ledger, from the North West region and beyond, all contending for the opportunity to secure a 12-month work placement within these organisations.

Throughout the Talent Hub series, students honed their personal and organisational awareness. The workshops emphasised active learning and applied skills, encouraging authentic engagement with business leaders to meet the agile demands of today’s working world. Students also had the chance to visit FinTrU’s newly renovated Patrick Street office, gaining first-hand experience of corporate culture, and developed communication skills during an interactive round table networking event.

At the event, Caroline O’Neill, founder of DiggforSuccess, hosted a live podcast with FinTrU’s Executive Director, Greg McCann, discussing company culture, collaboration in the North West, and ways businesses can elevate the profile of the next generation of leaders.

Caroline spoke of her collaboration with The Talent Hub:

“It is so exciting to work with the Talent Hub and see first hand how a difference is being made in the lives of students by training them with the skills needed to nurture their talents and improve their confidence and self belief. I truly believe the impact that the Talent Hub has will have a ripple effect for years to come as students embark on life outside of university in the world of work.”

Dr Aisling Reid, Lecturer in Business Enterprise at Ulster University and founder of The Talent Hub, said:

“I am so proud of what the Talent Hub has become through co-design and support from local employers. It plays a core role in the North West talent pipeline, connecting future talent with established leaders. By building strong partnerships with North West businesses, we are aligning to business needs to develop agile students with professional confidence. The Talent Hub has become a community with a sense of belonging. Together we are celebrating and harvesting talent in the North West region. We have exciting plans to develop the concept further.“

Ulster University student Aoife McCloskey shared her thoughts following completing Talent Hub:

“I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. It has given me a hands-on approach, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone whilst remaining in a safe environment. It opened my horizons to various businesses I wouldn’t have previously been familiar with and at the same time allowed me and other students the opportunity to make some incredible networking connections that will help us when gaining placements- an invaluable experience and opportunity.”

Greg McCann, FinTrU Executive Director said:

“FinTrU are delighted with the work of the Talent Hub and the partnership with UU. The nurturing of graduate talent is essential for FinTrU’s growth plans and it is fantastic to be involved with this innovative initiative in the North West. It is a great example of what University/Business partnerships can deliver to help grow the NW economy.”

Senior Talent Partners at FinTrU, Keith Toland and Erin King added:

“The Talent Hub has provided FinTrU a platform to foster an interest for Financial Services in the North West region whilst positively influencing and supporting the employability of local graduate talent at Ulster University. We commend the students on their ambition, enthusiasm, and participation throughout the workshops and have welcomed their applications for our 2024 Placement Programme. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Ulster University and the Talent Hub.”

Anna Doherty, CEO of The Derry/L~Derry Chamber of Commerce said:

“The Derry Chamber is delighted to work so closely with Aisling and her team on the development of Talent Hub, especially at a time when growing skills and a sustainable talent pipeline has never been more important for business. The Talent Hub is a key initiative from UBS which brings businesses and students together to learn from each other. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to support a thriving Northwest economy.”

Local businesses are encouraged to get in touch with Dr Aisling Reid, Ulster University  to get involved in the next ‘Talent Hub’ taking place in 2024 as we grow our reach and impact in the North West region.

Email ar.reid@ulster.ac.uk to find out more.

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New Open University office at North West Regional College’s Strand Road campus

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North West Regional College (NWRC) has officially cut the ribbon on a brand new Open University (OU) office at their Strand Road campus in Derry~Londonderry.

The office, adjacent to NWRC’s Careers Academy, is the OU’s first official premises in the North West and strengthens a partnership between the two organisations which saw the validation of two OU higher education level courses in September 2023.

During the official opening on Thursday, Dr Catherine O’ Mullan, NWRC Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards, handed over keys for the new office to John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland.

Dr O’ Mullan said: “Today is another exciting chapter in this unique educational partnership. We are delighted to welcome The Open University to our Strand Road Campus with its own office and base in the North West.

“NWRC is committed to growing and developing our curriculum, offering something really different and much needed within the North West region.

“Our partnership with The Open University is the culmination of extensive diligence and hard work from both organisations, as well as significant consultation with employers, over the past two years. It complements the existing partnerships we have with other Higher Education Institutions in the region and has allowed us to add to our portfolio of courses, providing a more diverse offer related to areas of skills gaps .

“But this is just the beginning. We intend to grow our Higher Education curriculum offer at NWRC and hope to announce details of further developments in specialist subject areas with The Open University in the future.”

John D’Arcy, OU, added: ”The Open University is proud to officially move into our new office at NWRC allowing us to work even closer with staff and students. We have worked hard with NWRC Senior Management to provide this level of choice and provision of higher education and I am delighted to see the students on our Foundation Degree in Cyber Security and Level 4 Certificate in Healthcare Practice courses performing so well since they first began in September 2023. This partnership will continue to grow, and we look forward to seeing what 2024 will bring to the North West region and further afield.”

Applications are now open for all Higher Education courses beginning at NWRC in September 2024, including the OU Foundation Degree in Cyber Security (full and part-time), OU Level 4 Higher Education Certificate in Healthcare Practice, and OU Foundation Degree in Housing Practice. Further details of additional courses presently being approved by OU will be made available in due course.

For more information visit www.nwrc.ac.uk/higher-education

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Ulster University hosts prestigious European Parliament John Hume exhibition

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To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary year of the Belfast Good Friday agreement, Ulster University welcomes an exhibition for the first time to Northern Ireland, to celebrate one of the occasion’s principal architects, John Hume. In partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK and The John and Pat Hume Foundation, the exhibit which launched yesterday evening in Derry~Londonderry, will embark on a year-long tour across the university campuses including Coleraine and Belfast.

The display also honours twenty-five years since Hume was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. The exhibition, “He made hope and history rhyme” takes inspiration from the words of fellow Nobel prize winner and friend, Seamus Heaney.

Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Provost Ulster University expresses:

“As our year long programme of events reflecting on the Belfast Good Friday agreement draws to a close, its only right that we return again to the architects of change that were instrumental in bringing about the peaceful times that we live in– with all the opportunities and potential they created. We are delighted to partner with the European Parliament Liaison Office UK and The John and Pat Hume Foundation to host this prestigious exhibition at Ulster University. As a son of the city, it is fitting that the exhibition launches its 2024 tour of all our campuses across the region in his home of Derry~Londonderry”  

“An MEP for quarter of a century and European of the Year, Hume worked tirelessly to broker peace and reconciliation in his native land. The everyday injustices of life in the north and especially in his divided hometown led Hume to join the civil rights movement in the 1960s and to forge a philosophy encapsulated in this quote: “Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”

Susanne Oberhauser, Director of the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK comments;

“John Hume never tired of reminding us how the peace process in Northern Ireland has been so heavily inspired by the example of the European Parliament and the European project. As he liked to recall: “The union of Europe was the inspiration for our [Good Friday] agreement. The first time I went to Strasbourg in 1979 as a Member of the European Parliament, and I went to neighbouring Germany, I thought that if, in 1945, someone had said that these two countries would be reunited in Europe and that Strasbourg would be the symbol city of this hope, they would have been sent to the psychiatrist. The European Union is the best example of conflict resolution in the history of the world. All the regions at war must study the way in which Europe was built.” Thus, this project is particularly dear to our hearts and we are honoured to contribute to the remembrance of his legacy.”

Tim Attwood, Foundation Secretary, John and Pat Hume Foundation states:

“The John and Pat Hume Foundation welcome this excellent opportunity to partner with the European Parliament Liaison Office UK and Ulster University to showcase John Hume’s work as a Member of the European Parliament and the fact that the mission of the European Union inspired his courageous journey to build peace and reconciliation in Ireland through dialogue, partnership and bridge-building.  

“Two days short of John Hume’s eighty seventh birthday and fifty years after Ireland officially became a member of the European Economic Community (EEC), it is our duty to keep faith with the Hume principles, keep his dream of peace and non-violence alive and inspire current and emerging courageous leaders for peaceful change, at home and in conflicts internationally, who will chart a better way forward and build a more just and prosperous future for all  our children.”

The exhibition features panels with highlights of Hume’s role in the peace process alongside a bronze bust, one of only five specially commissioned pieces created by Ballymena born sculptor, Liz O’Kane. The remaining busts are installed at the Irish embassies in Washington DC, London, the European Parliament in Strasbourg and Leinster House in Dublin. After the tour of Ulster University’s campuses this piece will take up residence in the Guildhall in December 2024. Alongside the exhibition is a creation by Dublin tapestry artist, Catherine O’Connor whose grandparents hail from Derry~Londonderry. The tapestry, commissioned by friends of John and Pat Hume shines a light on Pat and the strength of her relationship with John and her integral role in the peace process.

The exhibition is free and open to the public from Wednesday 17 January – Friday 29 March and is located on the ground floor lobby of the MU building, Derry~Londonderry campus.

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Ireland’s North West City Region showcased in the Irish Embassy, London

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On 4th December 2023 at the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser, an event was held in the Irish Embassy in London to showcase Ireland’s North West City Region as an innovative and attractive compelling destination to live, work, study, invest, explore and do business.

On 4th December 2023 at the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser, an event was held in the Irish Embassy in London to showcase Ireland’s North West City Region as an innovative and attractive compelling destination to live, work, study, invest, explore and do business. Ireland’s North West City Region is a collaborative initiative between Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council. The event was also supported by North West Regional Development Group.

The objective of this event was to promote Ireland’s North West City Region in relation to trade and investment and to demonstrate the competitive advantages of doing business in the North West City Region. This was an opportunity to continue to develop a strong partnership between the North West City Region and the City of London and wider UK and to engage with the Irish diaspora in London, further expanding the region’s reach.

Cllr Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council was keen to showcase the city region to a London audience saying that “we are delighted to showcase our regional offer to important players in the London business and wider community today. The North West is ready for growth, and we have invested significant sums in infrastructure, networks and facilities to ensure we’re investor ready as a city region. The fact that so many high caliber businesses have now located in the region have invested here highlights the high quality of our investment proposition. On behalf of Donegal County Council, I would like to thank Ambassador Fraser for hosting our delegation at this wonderful event in the Irish Embassy.”

Cllr Patricia Logue, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council highlighted that place and proximity to talent has played a huge role in company success across the North West City Region, stating “We pride ourselves in our people and the role our universities and colleges play in molding that talent. Combined with a superb quality of life, the North West City Region offers a work life balance that attracts and retains the best employees. With the Common Travel Area, an exceptional talent pool can be drawn across the region.  Living and working across two jurisdictions on a day-to-day basis. We have the right kind of infrastructure, logistics and proximity to London. This is a region of untapped potential. We are already providing important and valuable support to companies such as FinTrU who have grown and prospered in this region. We are ready to capitalise on our strengths to drive economic growth and foster innovation, for our mutual benefit. With our close proximity to London. And, and by sharing the only land border between the EU and UK. We are an ideal gateway location to both these markets”.

Chief Executive with Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie said it was hugely important for the North West City Region to showcase its attributes and to engage directly with key stakeholders and influencers. “It is very important for us to strengthen our links with London and to do all we can to showcase out offerings to this audience. It’s an opportunity for us to develop strong international business links and build on the existing good work that is being done to develop our key industries, the emerging fintech cluster in our region and to collaborate on shared interests in innovation, education and climate action.”

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin stated that “Ireland’s North West City Region is an excellent location for investors as it straddles two jurisdictions which provides businesses, multi-nationals and entrepreneurs the benefits of having access to both the EU and UK markets. The North West City region has established strong political, economic, and cultural linkages with London and this event further strengthens these connections. “

The event included a lively panel discussion focused on Ireland’s North West City Region, a gateway to global growth moderated by Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award 2023 recipient Caroline McLaughlin, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, UK. Panelists included Denis Curran, Head of Regions, Property and Enterprise Development at the IDA and Darragh McCarthy, CEO at FinTrU.

The event is also a fitting way to mark the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and to share success stories of how the region has evolved since from an economic development perspective.  It also highlighted the benefit to businesses of locating in this region which can provide seamless market access to both the EU and UK.

Leading blue chip and fast-growing businesses, along with public and private sector representatives and key influencers based in and around London attended the event as well as stakeholders from across the region to provide a holistic overview of the benefits of locating in Ireland’s North West City Region.

The North West City region has a varied talent pool including a workforce which is not just highly educated but innovative, creative and loyal with Centres of Excellence in Big Data & Analytics, Health & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and the Blue Economy.

Ireland’s North West City region has a proven track record in hosting international companies such as PGIM, TCS, Seagate, DuPont, Allstate, Optum, Zeus, FinTrU, Abbot and Terex Corporation. These companies are already reaping the benefits and gaining competitive advantages provided by operating in the North West City Region. Talent is also driving investment decisions and the North West City Region provides a unique location for businesses seeking competitive advantage.

The event was also supported by stakeholders including the IDA Ireland, Invest NI, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Donegal ETB and the North West Regional College along with businesses operating in the region. The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, sharing insights, and building relationships on a cross-border basis.

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Official opening of New Gate Arts & Culture Centre’s cultural shared space

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A vibrant new arts and culture centre for communities across Derry~Londonderry to celebrate and share their unique cultural heritage officially opened in November.

The New Gate Arts & Culture Centre, located in The Fountain area of Derry~ Londonderry; close to the historic walls and the city centre marks a £2.3 million investment by The Executive Office to create an inclusive shared space for communities to host events and initiatives in a state-of-the-art community facility.

This project is part of The Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative aimed at providing funding for projects in five urban areas across Northern Ireland. Managed and overseen by Derry City and Strabane District Council the project is aimed at improving good relation outcomes and develop thriving places where there has been a history of deprivation and community tension. The investment will assist in fostering positive community identities, building community capacity and improving the local physical environment.

The new centre includes a performance and multi-use space, art and tuition rooms, a dance studio, offices and café.

Joan O’Hara, Director, The Executive Office’s Urban Villages programme said the newly completed New Gate Arts and Culture Centre with the adjacent site brings a significant investment to The Fountain area of Derry/ Londonderry. It has become a state-of-the-art, performance space that will create opportunity to celebrate culture and identity with the local community and much wider. Urban Villages also have a keen interest in the organisational development of North-West Cultural Partnership to ensure the capacity and sustainability of such a landmark location.

“This is a fantastic regeneration project for the Fountain area of the city and across the region to provide a shared cultural space right in the heart of the local community. The centre will invigorate the area and encourage the community to come together to celebrate their culture and backgrounds in a space that will use the arts to create new experiences and friendships. We look forward to enjoying this collaborative voice and its potential in the years to come.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Patricia Logue said: “The New Gate Arts and Culture Centre plays a hugely positive role in the local community through the provision of services and activities as well as improving the physical environment of the Fountain area. I am delighted that this investment has been completed successfully and that the residents of the Fountain and the wider area can now enjoy this new state of the art performance and cultural facility on their doorstep.”

Kyle Thompson from the North West Cultural Partnership who will be managing the day to day running of the centre thanked everyone involved in the project.

“We are hugely excited to see the Centre completed and the doors open to the public. This investment is a huge boost to the local community and allows us to continue with the positive work we are doing to promote the work that is going on in our community and reaching out to others to share and enjoy our unique cultures and traditions. This new state of the art building allows us to expand our ability to facilitate more activities and events and invite communities from across the city and region to participate and visit this unique shared space.”

The project is the culmination of the development of the Urban Villages Strategic Framework for Derry-Londonderry in 2016 and the preparation of the Fountain Area Strategic Overview in 2018.

As NWCP CEO, Brian Dougherty explained: “‘The centre represents the core focal point in establishing our strategic vision of ‘building a future of confident, creative, and connected people’. By providing further physical infrastructure for our six member groups and broad constituent base, it will allow us to fulfil not only an exciting and creative annual cultural programme but will provide the administrative base for our programme staff to continue developing our civic leadership initiatives.”

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Move home for the best of both worlds

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Working in your dream role doesn’t have to involve a long commute, huge rents and the stresses of big city living.

A return to the North West can give you all-important career progression, AND a competitive salary, without sacrificing your quality of life.

In Derry and Strabane, you’ll find corporate positions with big-name multinationals, skilled jobs with thriving local firms, or even the support to set up your own venture.

And with shorter journeys to work than most major UK cities, you can clock off for the day and be back home – or on the beach or golf course – in no time at all.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our brilliant employers say:

“We are matching Derry’s strengths with our needs. It has a fantastic educational base; it has a fantastic demographic base. There is a tonne of flexibility here.” – Modsquad

“By establishing our European operations here, we are in a stronger position to target opportunities within UK and Europe and expand sales and ensure future growth of our business.” – OneSource Virtual

“Our experience in Northern Ireland far exceeded our expectations. We came here originally for the cost savings. We find ourselves staying for the people and the talent that’s available.” Allstate NI

If you’re interested in moving back to the North West, check out the companies recruiting and explore what the region has to offer at https://investderrystrabane.com/worklife. Your journey home starts here! 

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Spotlight Interview – Brendan McNabb, CCO of Lithe

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Spotlight interview – Brendan McNabb, CCO of Lithe

Brendan McNabb is Chief Commercial Officer at Lithe, a global intelligent automation software company. The firm, which counts some of the world’s biggest brands as customers, has a base in Brendan’s hometown of Derry in addition to a Glasgow headquarters.

Brendan has more than 20 years’ experience in the IT industry; before setting up Lithe with two former colleagues in 2014, he completed stints with local software company Singularity, and the California-based multinational Kofax. He now lives in Derry with his family.

What does an average work day look like for you? 

I’m not sure there is such a thing as an average day anymore! In my role, even the best laid plans seem to get disrupted on almost a daily basis. That said, an average working week for me usually involves some home-based working, lots of remote meetings and video calls with colleagues and customers, an in-office day meeting with my team to catch up on plans and priorities, and regular overseas trips to meet with existing and prospective customers in the UK, EU and US.

Why did Lithe decide to set up a base in Derry?

Having spent more than 20 years working with colleagues, customers and partners across the globe, I have a great appreciation for the talent we have here in Derry and the North West. There is a very strong heritage here in the products and services that Lithe specialise in, so I was keen to build a strong team around me here to support our growth plan. We have around 10 people in Derry of a total team of approximately 35.

Most of our staff here are hybrid working, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in terms of its impact on work-life balance. Certain elements of the job still require in-person working, such as meeting with customers or partners, and we have regular in-office days for our various teams, to maintain the human side of those relationships.

What makes Derry and the North West attractive to investors?

Derry has so many amazing assets which make it a very strong proposition for investors. A lot of these are very well documented – its location as a key gateway to both UK and EU markets, a university city with a top-class talent pipeline, a strong established base of companies and investors across a range of sectors, and a rich culture and heritage, among the best in the world. The common thread through all of these are the people. Having worked with thousands of people on a number of levels around the world, the people of Derry possess a fiercely strong work ethic, resilience and creativity; all of which contribute to a highly skilled and competitive workforce.

Your work involves a lot of travel. What do you miss about home when you’re away?

I love visiting new places, especially big cities, but I’m at my happiest surrounded by friends and family in Derry and Donegal. Derry is a wonderful city to call home and a brilliant place to bring up a family. There has always been great community here and Derry people have a natural kindness and empathy towards each other which creates a real sense of belonging. So, although I could list out quite a few things that I love about home – the restaurants, pubs, schools, a packed Brandywell on a match night – at the heart of it all are the people.

What message would you give to people considering a move back to the North West?

I love seeing people moving back to Derry to set up home. The world post-pandemic has become a much smaller place and it is now much easier for people across a wide range of roles and industries to work from their preferred destination. Even for those jobs which require a regular commute to the rest of the UK, Derry is very well connected to major UK cities, as indeed is Belfast International Airport. We have some stunning landscapes and coastlines – you’ll regularly find me coasteering with my friends and family all year round, or floating in the freezing Atlantic off the Donegal coast. We also have a relatively low cost of living compared to other large cities, so it’s a great place for young people and families to put down some roots.

What next for Lithe?

We’re in the midst of some really exciting developments. Our core document processing software product has continued to go from strength to strength and in the past couple of years we have added some more stellar logos including Deutsche Bank, Amazon, Zurich, BNY Mellon and Sainsbury’s to a long list of amazing companies using our product. We continue to invest in our technology and our people as we see this growth trajectory continue across the globe. We have also been embracing many of the exciting innovations in the technology market, including AI and working with our customers and partners to help them realise the amazing benefits these present. It’s a very cool time to be in the IT space, with so many fast-moving technological advancements and high-growth opportunities. Lithe are delighted to be right in the epicentre of it all and I’m very excited about what the future holds.

litheit.com

If you’re interested in moving back to the North West, check out the companies recruiting and explore what the region has to offer at https://investderrystrabane.com/worklife. Your journey home starts here! 

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More than 100 investors attend Northern Ireland Investment Summit

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More than 100 of Northern Ireland’s innovative businesses were showcased to more than 100 global investors at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit held 12th – 13th September in Belfast. With more than 100 investors from the USA, Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific regions in attendance. The Summit marked a significant opportunity to demonstrate Northern Ireland’s innovation and technological strengths across its internationally renowned sectors, including advanced manufacturing, software and technology, financial and professional services, and emerging health and life sciences.

Panel sessions at the event focused on why global investors should choose Northern Ireland with breakout sessions for each of the key growth sectors. In addition, An Irish Goodbye directors and youngest ever Oscar recipients Tom Berkeley & Ross White hosted a session on Northern Ireland’s thriving creative sector.

Companies selected to showcase and speak at the event from the Northwest City Region include FinTrU, TEREX, FAST Technologies, Seagate and AFLO (Respiratory Analytics).

Northern Ireland, boasting a cost-competitive environment, attracted £19.2 billion in inward investment in 2021. This makes it an enticing hub for businesses seeking strategic growth opportunities.

The Investment Summit precedes a substantial Global Investment Summit later in the year. CEOs, investors, and financiers will converge to showcase the entire UK as an optimal investment location. The inaugural event in 2021 catalysed significant investments and job creation in green energy and tech.

To find out more about the business opportunities available in the city region https://investderrystrabane.com/

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New street art emerges in Derry city centre

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The murals were created by Peaball, a street art collective, with the hopes of bringing life to run-down parts of the city. The murals are all done in different styles, showing different images and Peaball member Donal O’Doherty says there’s ‘something there for everyone’.

The murals are part of Peaball’s street art initiative ‘Get Up’ which is intending to brighten up the riverfront and areas around it such as the Strand Road and Ebrington. Murals were recently completed on the new Ebrington Hotel, City Cabs in William Street and Quayside Shopping Centre on the Strand Road.

“We really wanted to get this right,” said Donal. “So, we brought Fintan Magee to do Ebrington Hotel. Fintan’s father was born in Derry, he left during the troubles and Fintan is a world famous, high-end street artist. We had a mural on City Cabs in William Street before and it was a bit tired looking to be honest. James from City Cabs said he wanted to freshen up the whole area to make it light and bright and welcoming for people. William Street is quite a serious street so we wanted something fun and engaging. We worked with Bonsai on that, a London-based artist who has been visiting the city and painting graffiti for over ten years. We talked about this idea over five years ago to take symbols that identify us around the world, such as the shamrock, and put a real modern street art twist on it. I have to say, I think it’s amazing. And the feedback we’ve had is phenomenal.”

“Pyke ‘n’ Pommes, Patricia’s, Primrose, are all trying to animate our riverfront and they’ve got a great scene there,” Donal said. “But, once you pass the Council offices, you navigate three car parks and the back of Quayside before you get into town. We’re hoping to take people off the quay earlier, up to the great food scene around Guapo. We found that a lot of tourists and Derry people alike were drawn over when they seen the artist and were asking questions and I was guiding them to the Mandarin Palace, a staple of Derry restaurants and all the other places around there. I think those businesses were very happy with what we were doing.”

The ‘Get Up’ festival is privately funded, with most of the money sourced by ‘knocking on doors’.

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International Chinese Students Visit City.

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International students from Northwest China and Zhejiang province visited the city in August to conduct cultural exchanges and community engagement. During their time in the city the students conducted English lessons and visited the Mayor.

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