City of London Policy Chairman visits to strengthen business links

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The City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, was in Derry in Feb to attend the launch of the MATRIX NI report and a number of engagements to build on the North West’s strong connections with the City of London.

Matrix, Northern Ireland’s Science and Industry Advisory Panel, supported by the Department for the Economy, launched a new report exploring opportunities for the application of regulatory technologies (RegTech).

The report finds that Northern Ireland, with its skilled workforce and strong academic institutions, is strongly positioned to help businesses navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. This can be achieved by the development of innovative solutions to streamline compliance processes, enhancing transparency, while mitigating any risks in the financial services sector

Mr Hayward and his delegation were welcomed to the city by the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Kelpie, who took the opportunity to discuss shared interests in business, innovation and culture. The significant work being done by the Council and its delivery partners to bring forward an ambitious suite of innovative City Deal projects that will create jobs, attract investment and growth to the region was also discussed.

Mr Kelpie said it was a great honour to welcome Mr Hayward to the region to talk about the opportunities to promote the RegTech proposition, harnessing the city region’s unique cross-jurisdictional location and collaborative partnerships and to build on existing relationships between the two cities and regions.

He said: “We have extremely strong links with the City of London and it’s hugely encouraging to see Mr Hayward and his delegation taking time out of their schedule to visit our city and meet with industry leaders to hear about the excellent work that is being done here in terms of attracting global investment and helping home-grown success stories compete internationally. The City of London Corporation is a global financial and professional services capital that drives the UK’s economy and the sector is of huge importance to this region.”

During his visit, Mr Hayward met with RegTech Supercluster representatives to hear at first-hand about the collaborative work being done on the ground to develop the region’s RegTech offering.

It was also an opportunity to provide the delegation with an update on the ‘Innovation Challenge’ programme that was launched late last year with the City of London Corporation as a strategic partner, to encourage innovators to develop creative technology solutions to tackle cross border regulatory and compliance challenges.

A key element of the visit was to discuss with key stakeholders the key findings of the Matrix NI report and how to bring forward its recommendations.

The launch provided the opportunity for the RegTech Supercluster to discuss how it can support the Department to shape the RegTech proposition and working with key stakeholders generate economic growth and competitive advantage across the region.

The delegation met with senior officials at the Ulster University to discuss their expansion plans and to receive an update on the work being carried out by the Task Force and key research and development projects.

Mr Heyward also met with representatives from the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce before taking a tour of the local Seagate plant at Springtown and meeting with Chief Operating Officer with EY, Jonathan Williamson, to discuss their future plans for development at Ebrington Plaza and their wider growth across the region.

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Derry celebrates St Patrick’s Day in style as bumper crowds attend city centre parade

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Derry cemented it’s reputation as a major destination to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in as tens of thousands of people packed the city centre to the rafters the city’s annual parade.

Over 800 performers took part in the North West Carnival Initiative’s procession through the streets that featured sports clubs, dance troupes and community organisations all celebrating the theme of Flowers, Fur and Feathers.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, joined St Patrick to lead the procession which began inside the walls and travelled down through Shipquay Street past the local landmarks of the Guildhall and the Peace Bridge and concluded on Strand Road.

“What a wonderful day in our city centre,” said Mayor Barr. “Leading the Derry St Patrick’s Day parade along with hundreds of talented young people is an experience I will never forget.
“I want to acknowledge all the hard work that went into this year’s St Patrick’s Day festivities, both from the Council team, the North West Carnival Initiative and all their statutory and community partners.

“But most of all I want to thank the thousands of local people who lined the streets to watch the parade and created an atmosphere like no other.

“Nobody throws a party better than our Council area and we proved that again today.”

Other highlights of the day’s festivities included live music at the main stage in the Guildhall Square, which had people dancing in the streets.

The Craft Village was also buzzing with live traditional music and Irish dancing, while Derry’s Guildhall was packed with revellers enjoying the traditional Irish music and céilí dance session.
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said early indications were of another record breaking crowd in attendance.

“Thank you to our Festival and Events team and all our partners for co-ordinating another successful St Patrick’s Day celebration.
“A lot of unseen work takes place behind the scenes to make sure an event of this scale runs smoothly but it is all worthwhile when we see thousands of people having a positive experience.
“We will process the data over the coming days but early indications are that we have surpassed 30,000 spectators for a second successive year which we are delighted about.
“Visitors from outside the Council area look high as well as we continue to build our reputation as a venue to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in.”

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Swing into summer with the City of Derry Jazz Festival

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Bennigans Bar was the perfect location to get the jazz vibe going with the launch the City of Derry Jazz Festival 2025, taking place May 01 – 05.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, was joined by Martin Venning from event sponsors Diageo, for the launch at one of the festival’s most popular jazz hubs, renowned for its top-class artists.

This year’s event marks 24 years of Ireland’s biggest Jazz extravaganza, and final preparations are now well underway to deliver an unsurpassable programme featuring over 320 performances, and brimming with musical talent from around the world. Music legend Billy Ocean tops this year’s bill, performing in the Millennium Forum on Saturday and Sunday May 3rd and 4th.

Looking ahead to the event, which is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mayor Barr said she couldn’t wait to get her dancing shoes on. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the City of Derry Jazz Festival,” she declared. “It’s a wonderful time to visit Derry as the city comes alive with music in every bar and on every street corner. The energy is infectious and the atmosphere is just incredible.

“The festival is the perfect warm up for the summer, and it’s an event that people of all ages can enjoy. You don’t have to be a jazz fanatic – we have performers here from all over the world and a real medley of musical genres to enjoy. And don’t forget the majority of the entertainment is free!”

This year’s programme includes old jazz favourites, local legends and plenty of new talent, ready to deliver five days packed with entertainment, from jazz workshops to live concerts and drama performances.

There will be beats on the streets with a variety of al fresco acts, bringing the vibrant sound of jazz to the entire city. Festival goers can also look forward to an exciting mix of jump, jive, blues, and swing, ensuring there’s something for every music enthusiast.

A highlight of the festival is the Live Music Now Schools Programme, which aims to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians through interactive performances and workshops in local post-primary schools. Young performers will have the chance to show off their talents performing live on the Gay McIntyre Stage, showcasing some of the finest jazz talent in the historic Guildhall Square.

Jazz Festival coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said: “May is fast approaching and we have had so much interest this year from acts from all over who have heard about the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the brilliant welcome the performers enjoy. We have some really exciting new performers this year, and of course we can’t wait to welcome our headline act Billy Ocean.”

Martin Venning from Diageo said it would be an unforgettable weekend. “Diageo is delighted to continue supporting this fantastic festival, which celebrates the vibrant cultural scene here in the North West.

“It’s the perfect platform for both established local performers and new up and coming talent, who join world class artists from across the world for a show-stopping weekend that brings so much value to the local economy. It’s the only place to celebrate the May Bank Holiday.”

So join us for an unforgettable celebration of jazz, community, and culture at the 2025 City of Derry Jazz Festival!

For more information go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com and for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.

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Tyrone and Donegal youngsters have the angling world at their feet

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Three young fishermen from the North West are looking forward to the experience of a lifetime in Idaho Falls in the USA later this summer after qualifying with the Ireland youth team at the International World Fly Fishing Championships.


Jacob Griffin, Zack Barnett and Lewis Porter who learned their craft on the local waters of the Mourne, the Derg and the Finn sealed their place on the national team at two qualifying events organised by the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland.


The trio fought off stiff opposition from 25 other young anglers from all over Ireland at the events in the River Suir in County Tipperary and Ardaire Springs Angling Centre in Kilkenny.


Jacob and Lewis also exhibited their world class fly tying skills to thousands of people at the North West Angling Fair at the Melvin Sports Complex on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of March.

The boys TAFI Ulster Coach, Campbell Baird, commended all three of them on their hard work to reach this elite level: “These youths are a credit to the Ulster Fishing community,” he said. “Their dedication, knowledge and determination has shone through in the qualifiers and this team representing Ireland are at the highest level of their game, competing at standard that will hopefully see them reach the top position within the competition and to be on that podium making us all proud.


“They have come through the ranks of FROG (Foyle River –Catchment Outdoor Group CIC) and are now fishing in world competitions.”

Damien Devine FROG added: “The climb to the top of the tree in the angling journey of these youth angling representatives is something myself and Joseph Owens could never have imagined at the outset.

“They came along to us at a very tender age, some without even the basic equipment at that time.
“However, in the early days of casting lessons, it was very noticeable that there was a hunger from them and a support network from their guardians, which was pointing towards greater heights.
“With many angling titles and success in the last few years, the world stage now awaits the new generation of Irish youth anglers.

“All our coaches at FROG CIC are so privileged to have played our part in steering these fine young men towards their dream of international representation.

“They are now true Ambassadors of our group, as the next generation of 10 years we have in our ranks are aspiring to reach the same heights as these young anglers in the years to come. “All are a credit to us, their families, and the wider angling community of the North-West corner of the Foyle river-basin.”

The boys will also travel to Scotland with the Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association in July as part of the Ireland Youth Team to compete in the Four Nations Competition 2025, who have already claimed gold medals in the Four Nations in England 2024 and Wales 2023.

The 2025 North West Angling Fair at the Melvin Sports Complex will host some of the UK and Ireland’s leading fly dressers, casters and angling specialists.

The public also had the opportunity to source angling merchandise from a wide range of fishing tackle producers, fly tying brands and fishing outfitters in the Melvin’s Main Hall.
The North West Angling Fair is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Loughs Agency.

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Acorn Farm’s New Gate Lodge Garden officially opens

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Spring has certainly sprung in the new Acorn Farm Gate Lodge Garden located at the St Columb’s Park Gate Lodge which has been officially opened by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr.

The new garden is part of the ambitious Acorn Farm Project, a partnership project supported by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s, Climate Action Fund and the UK Government.

Mayor Barr was joined by pupils from St Anne’s Primary School in Derry, who had the opportunity to learn about the importance of seed planting and growing cycles, and taste the benefits of the freshly harvested food.

The new space has been created to connect local communities, families, households and food producers with sustainable food practices, healthy eating and climate-friendly learning. It will help facilitate elements of the Acorn Farm’s wider engagement programme through events, workshops and guided visits.

The Acorn Farm project is delivered by a partnership team consisting of Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Conservation Volunteers, Developing Healthy Communities and Community Garden Support.

Officially opening the gardens, Mayor Barr said they provided a beautiful learning space for all ages. “I am thrilled to be here today and to see the next stage in the development of the Acorn Farm project. There is a fantastic array of produce already being grown, and local people can draw on the expertise from local horticulturists and other experienced growers. Congratulations to everyone involved in realising this wonderful new green space.”

Paul Sweeney, Northen Ireland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I am delighted to be at the Gate Lodge Gardens today for the official opening and to see the progress made so far in the Acorn Farm Project, which has been supported by over £2 million of National Lottery funding.

“A priority of The National Lottery Community Fund’s strategy to 2030 is to support communities in becoming environmentally sustainable. Innovative and ambitious projects like Acorn Farm are a fantastic example of our funding being put into action by communities, by creating a movement and helping develop more sustainable and responsible ways of sourcing and producing food.

“Well done to everyone involved in developing this community hub which will boost mental health, encourage physical activity and build stronger community connections.”

Shauna Kelpie, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “What we see here today is the culmination of outstanding collaboration between partner organisations committed to improving the lives of local people and our environment through access to more sustainable food choices. This project kick starts so many ‘green focused’ activities and will be life changing for so many families now and into the future.”

The total funding investment pot of £6.2m in capital infrastructure (UK Government and Derry City and Strabane District Council) and over £2m (National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund) in skills-based engagement programmes, is assisting local people to take climate action through food choice and make the link between sustainable food and better health outcomes for this generation and future ones.

Find out more about the project at https://acornfarmni.com/

 

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Mayor hosts London Liveries delegation in historic Guildhall

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Derry’s historic connections with the Livery Companies of London, who funded the city’s historic walls, were discussed in Apirl during a special visit by a delegation led by the Honourable the Irish Society.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, welcomed the delegation, which included senior representatives of The Fishmongers’ Company, The Salters’ Company, The Ironmongers’ Company and The Drapers’ Company led by Governor Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE, to the Guildhall where they enjoyed a tour of the historic building.

There they got to view some of the beautiful stained glass windows originally donated by the companies and featuring images and symbols reflecting the role of the Society in the city’s history.

It was also an opportunity for the delegation to hear more about progress on the ambitious City Deal plans and the planned investments which will be pivotal in the transformation of the City and District.

Speaking after the visit, Mayor Barr said: “I was delighted to welcome the London delegation to the city today and to continue the work in building and strengthening our connections with the City of London. This is a very exciting time for our City and District as we look forward to the delivery of a suite of projects that will bring about tangible and lasting change here.

“Today provided an opportunity to discuss these plans and to stress the importance of investment in the North West Region to ensure that we can continue to drive forward our vision for Derry and Strabane as a vibrant and progressive place to live and work as well as a vibrant and thriving hub for business.”

After the visit to the Guildhall the delegation embarked on a tour of the city’s 400-year-old Walls and met with the city’s Lord Lieutenant, Ian Crowe.

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Strabane BID celebrates local culinary excellence as three establishments earn top honours

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Strabane BID is delighted to congratulate three local establishments on their outstanding success at The Irish Restaurant Ulster Regional Awards held on April 1st at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan.

Oysters Restaurant achieved remarkable recognition, winning both the Best Restaurant award and Best Chef award for Vincent Mahon in the Tyrone category. The Thirsty Filly was named Best Newcomer for Tyrone, while The Banks Restaurant’s Shane Breslin earned the prestigious Best Restaurant Manager award for Tyrone.

The award ceremony featured strong representation from Strabane, with seven local establishments nominated, including Oysters, The Thirsty Filly, The Banks Restaurant, The Cherry Tree, Tusk Restaurant, The Farmers Home and The Harp and Fiddle.

A special acknowledgment goes to John McGowan from The Farmer’s Home, who has been shortlisted for the All Ireland Outstanding Achievement Award.

All regional winners, along with John McGowan, will attend the All Ireland awards ceremony on May 19th in Dublin.

Congratulating the winners the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said: “This outstanding achievements by our local restaurants showcases the exceptional culinary talent we have here in Strabane. Their success not only brings recognition to these fine establishments but also highlights our town as a growing food destination in Northern Ireland. I extend my warmest congratulations to all winners and nominees, and wish them continued success at the All Ireland awards in May.”

Echoing the Mayor’s comments Kieran Kennedy, chair of Strabane BID said: “The success of our local eateries demonstrates the remarkable quality and innovation that our local hospitality sector brings to the table. I’m immensely proud to see these businesses receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence. These awards help put Strabane firmly on the map as a culinary destination and contribute significantly to our town’s economic vitality and visitor appeal.”

Emma McGill, Strabane Town Centre Development Manager, added: “Having seven Strabane establishments nominated and three winning prestigious awards is a testament to the tremendous growth and quality of our local food scene. The dedication of these restauranteurs, chefs and staff to delivering exceptional dining experiences is helping transform our town centre into a vibrant destination. These achievements reflect the passion and entrepreneurial spirit that make Strabane special, and we’re excited to support their journey to the All Ireland awards in May.”

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Significant Funding for North West Digital Skills

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Funding for the North West Digital Employment Pathway Training Hub (NW DEPTH) initiative was included in a total of €46,064,915 of PEACEPLUS funding announced recently to improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

This project – supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – will be led by Atlantic Technological University, in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board via their well-established strategic collaboration, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC).

The Area Based Regional Skills Development Programme, through the PEACEPLUS Delivering Socio-Economic Regeneration and Transformation theme, will develop and upskill 10,000 people to engage on key growth sectors, which will boost economic growth and create a more balanced regional economy. The NW DEPTH proposal aims to deliver a digital skills framework targeting the North West City Region (County Donegal and the Derry City and Strabane District Council Area). The NW DEPTH project will develop and deliver a portfolio of upskilling and reskilling programmes to ensure 2,000+ people advance up the qualifications’ framework via digital and cybersecurity skills courses.

The NW DEPTH project will run for a four-year period and will see close to a €10 million investment in digital skills in the North West. A target of 2,000+ participants will have access to high-quality employment-focused digital and cybersecurity tertiary education programmes free of charge. To ensure a lasting legacy, the funding also includes provision for the development of a NW Digital Strategy aimed at supporting the growth of the many innovative digital enterprises operating in this cross-border region and improving the attractiveness of the region for the establishment of new smart enterprises.

PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

NWTEC partners recognise the strong support that this represents from the funders and the responsibility it confers on NWTEC to deliver on the transformative potential that this funding has in conjunction with other recent funding announcements, such as the Derry and Strabane Growth Deal.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, stated that “securing PEACEPLUS funding for the NW DEPTH project will empower a significant number of individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital world of employment. It will not only enrich individual lives, but this funding will also strengthen regional industries by better facilitating innovation as well as providing support for economic growth. I want to congratulate those who worked on this bid and look forward to seeing successful outcomes being achieved in the years ahead.”

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor at Ulster University said “Ulster University is delighted to be a key project partner on the North West Digital Employment Pathways Training Hub (NW DEPTH) initiative. This is a strategically important investment in the skills profile of the NW region and complements other major investment plans enabled by the Derry and Strabane City Deal and Shared Island funding. This project builds on existing collaboration and co-operation established through the North West Tertiary Education Cluster and this PEACEPLUS investment in digital skills is a further endorsement of the value placed on, and importance of, developing education and capacity to support economic and social development across the region. The overall objective of DEPTH is to develop a Digital Skills framework for individuals to support re-entering, remaining or progressing their role in the NW region workforce, which is particularly important as we work with partners across the region to expand Ulster University’s campus in Derry~Londonderry. We look forward to continuing to work with partners on the digital skills development, upskilling and reskilling provision in the region targeting 2000 participants across the four years of the project.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “This PEACEPLUS funding supports five area-based approaches, designed to address evidenced skills gaps, which will result in increased productivity and employment and higher levels of cross-border labour mobility. The programme and the joined-up approach will enable cross-community and cross-border collaboration between education and training-based collaborations that maximise the capacity of the programme area to address existing and emerging skills gaps, and opportunities for reskilling. Economic development in post-conflict regions is vital in underpinning peace. Investment in the economy, providing support for SMEs, research, and innovation in specific areas of need are among the key focus areas for the PEACEPLUS Delivering Socio-Economic Regeneration and Transformation theme.”

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College (NWRC) said: “We at NWRC are delighted to be involved as a partner on the NW DEPTH project. This is a validation of the excellent work of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster by building digital and cybersecurity skills sets within our NW region. The partnership with Mastercard allows the region to develop an enhanced presence on FinTech and cyber expertise at a tertiary skills level. This will allow us to build competitive advantage and lead to the potential for more inward investment and indigenous growth in this sector.”

Anne McHugh, Chief Executive of Donegal Education and Training Board expressed delight that the NWTEC will be providing this much needed digital skills training in the region. “Our cross-border region is unique and full of opportunities and promise. This funding will significantly raise the chances that its promise will be fulfilled as we continue to seek to provide opportunities which will allow the region to compete on an all-island basis. Donegal ETB plays an enormously important part in the skills development area within Co Donegal and the cross-border region and the PEACEPLUS funding will contribute to this ongoing work in a really positive way.”

Paul Hannigan, Head of College ATU Donegal and VP for Cross-border Engagement at ATU, noted: “NWTEC is a strong partnership, and through our industry engagement via the NWTEC Smart Industry Board together with our links to community groups, this consortium is committed and well placed to deliver on the full potential of this critically important PEACEPLUS support for the North West City Region.”

We at NWRC are delighted to be involved as a partner on the NW DEPTH project. This is a validation of the excellent work of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster by building digital and cybersecurity skills sets within our NW region. The partnership with Mastercard allows the region to develop an enhanced presence on FinTech and cyber expertise at a tertiary skills level. This will allow us to build competitive advantage and lead to the potential for more inward investment and indigenous growth in this sector.
Leo Murphy
Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College
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NW trade delegation strengthening trans-Atlantic ties

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Pathfinder II Trade and Investment Mission Participants

There was a warm welcome in November in Boston for the Ireland North West delegation with a series of business focused events arranged as part of the ongoing trade mission to Philadelphia and Boston.

The joint visit is a key initiative of the Regional Economic Development Pillar of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership and is supported by the NW Development Fund, which is co-financed by the NI Executive and the Irish Government.

Thursday 14th saw a Business Breakfast hosted by Invest Northern Ireland provide a forum for talks around trade, investment, and innovation. Chair of Invest NI, John Healy, chaired discussions led by the Chief Executives of the visiting Councils, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council.

It was a valuable opportunity to share the North West’s ambitions for continued growth and development, and to reflect on achievements to date. Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Kelpie, gave an update on the City Deal projects for Derry and Strabane and the recent signing of the financial deal to enable their delivery. His counterpart in Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin, spoke about the rich talent pool in the North West, and the strong cross border partnership dedicated to advancing the objectives set out in the North West Strategic Growth Plan.

Discussions also centred on the North West’s compelling offering as an investment hub for business and global companies looking for a smooth pathway into both the UK and EU markets. Guests heard more about developments in research and innovation, as well as work to establish the world’s first multi-sector regulation supercluster. The project is an exciting and ambitious opportunity for the region, Ireland, UK and internationally, focusing on ESG and AI. The supercluster will bring together industry, academics and public bodies to drive world-class research and innovation.

The delegation was then invited to join Consul General of Ireland in Boston, Sighle Fitzgerald for a Speaker Series event, hosted in partnership with Richard Cushnie, Director of the NI Bureau and UK Consul General for New England, David Clay MBE.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, and the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy, engaged in discussion with Mary Murphy, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Irish Institute at Boston College.

Speaking after the day’s events, DCSDC’s CE, John Kelpie, said they had offered a positive platform to focus attention on the many benefits of living, working and investing in the North West.

“I am delighted to have had this opportunity to address both Consulates, and to share with them the encouraging progress we have been making on some of our most significant strategic projects. I think today we were able to convey the spirit of positive change here, and how this closely aligns with the priorities of investors here in the US.”

John McLaughlin, CE of Donegal County Council, said: “We’ve had some fantastic opportunities for engagement and to report on some of the developments that are making the North West Region a very compelling proposition for US businesses. For example the work around Regtech, or regulation technology, MedTech and the potential benefits for US companies looking to enter the highly regulated EU markets. This is the time to really build on the relationships already established with our partners in Boston and Philadelphia to ensure we maximise the potential for investment and growth.”

Other highlights of the trade mission this week included a visit to Philadelphia City Hall, and a meeting with the governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey. The week will end with the annual Golden Bridges conference today, where the delegation will showcase the very best of the North West region to an audience of influential business and political leaders.

Also attending the Golden Bridges event are the five businesses taking part in the Ireland NW to Boston Go to Market Pathfinder II trade mission. The businesses – Forward Emphasis International and eleetLX, Kippie, TeamBase, DigiFood, and ChallengeCurve – have been engaging in a dedicated programme throughout the week delivered at Cambridge Innovation Center by MassGlobal Partners, aimed at providing opportunities for early-stage, and scaling, innovation driven enterprises from the North West City Region.

The programme is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council working in collaboration with Donegal Local Enterprise Office, Alpha Innovation and their US Delivery Partners, CIP, following on from the successful Pathfinder initiative delivered in 2023.

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Alchemy Technology Services Presented with King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade

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On Friday, 27th September, Alchemy Technology Services reached a significant milestone in our journey. We were officially presented with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, marking a proud moment for both our company and the Derry / Londonderry community. The King’s Award for Enterprise is one of the most esteemed accolades for UK businesses. It recognises outstanding achievements in areas such as international trade, innovation, and sustainable development. Specifically, the King’s Award for International Trade honours companies that have demonstrated substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success. This recognition places Alchemy among a top group of businesses, being one of only four recipients from Northern Ireland and among 252 organisations nationally recognised this year. Our success in international markets brings valuable revenue back into our local economy, showcasing the potential of Derry / Londonderry as a hub for global business.

The ceremonial presentation took place at the Mayor’s Chamber in the historic Guildhall, symbolising our strong commitment to our local roots. The award was presented by Mr Ian Crowe MBE CStJ, HM Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, with Deputy Lieutenant Mr Gavin Killeen MBE DL in attendance. The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Ms Lilian Seenoi-Barr, hosted the event.

Mr Ian Crowe MBE CStJ commented: “Congratulations to Alchemy on winning the King’s Award for Enterprise. This is an incredible achievement that highlights hard work, innovation, and dedication to excellence. Alchemy’s commitment to pushing boundaries and making a positive impact is truly inspiring. Here’s to continued success and many more accolades in the future! Your achievement should inspire many other local companies to put themselves forward for the prestigious King’s Award.”

Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr added: “I was delighted to host this ceremony and be part of presenting this internationally recognised award to Alchemy Technology Services. It represents a fitting recognition for their dedicated work to grow their business across the world and establish themselves in a number of key overseas markets. Since their inception in 2018, Alchemy have quickly evolved into one of the city’s biggest employers and are a shining example of the benefits our Council area offers as a location to live, work and do global business in.”

John Harkin, our CEO, emphasised the local impact of this achievement: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise is not just an honour for Alchemy, but a testament to the talent and potential of our community. This award reflects our unwavering commitment to Derry / Londonderry and Northern Ireland. Our success is intertwined with the growth and prosperity of our local area.”

Since our inception in 2018, we’ve been a driving force for local economic development, creating over 200 highly skilled jobs primarily filled by local talent. Our in-house Graduate Programme, now in its third year, continues to provide valuable opportunities for graduates from local universities. Additionally, we maintain ongoing recruitment for senior roles, reinforcing our dedication to nurturing homegrown talent and contributing to the region’s professional landscape at all levels. Alchemy remains committed to balancing our global expansion with a strong focus on local impact. We view our international success as a means to further invest in and develop the Derry / Londonderry region, ensuring that as we grow, so too does the community we call home.

This commitment is further exemplified by our acquisition of r10 consulting, now known as Alchemy London Market, which has driven growth by expanding our offer to clients and creating better opportunities for our people. This King’s Award stands as a proud achievement for Alchemy and a powerful affirmation of the potential within the Derry / Londonderry community. It represents not just business success, but a model of how companies can drive positive change and create opportunities at a local level while competing on a global stage.

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