Local firms honoured at North West Business Awards

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A much-loved Derry bookshop has been crowned Business/Entrepreneur of the year at the North West Business Awards.

Little Acorns Bookstore, located on Foyle Street, took home the final award at the annual ceremony, which recognises and celebrates the achievements of local businesses.

Among those who paid tribute to Little Acorns and its proprietor, Jenni Doherty, on the night were Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee.

“Creative writers inspire each other and drive our imagination. Most successful films come from books and the existence of independent book stores keep literature alive and are cornerstones for communities,” she said.

“Without places like this, many would not get the opportunity or confidence to create and inspire, and that is a catalyst to successfully making films and TV programmes that can promote our city and drive its economy.”

Other winners on the night included Find Insurance, named Small Business of the Year, retailer Ferry Clever, awarded Best Retailer and Best Use of Marketing and Social Media, and Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, named Best Hotel and Best Restaurant.

Enterprise NW Team
Ethical Weigh
Ferry Clever
Find Insurance
White Horse Hotel Team
FinTrU NW Team
Alchemy Technologies Team
JACE Team
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Strabane enjoys bumper Summer Jamm

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Strabane’s Summer Jamm made a welcome return to the streets in June.

The event saw live music, traditional games, amusements, cultural activities, a petting zoo and circus skills performed across a range of venues. Meanwhile, foodies were treated to a range of sweet and savoury delights at the Castle Street Food Quarter.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy: “Summer Jamm is always a great draw for visitors, and it’s fantastic to see the event return with all the benefits it brings to the local economy.”

This year, Strabane BID collaborated with businesses on a special Love Strabane event, showcasing the best of Strabane has to offer as well as one-off promotions on local products and services.

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European travel award for Walled City Market

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Derry’s Walled City Market has been named local attraction of the year at a prestigious Europe-wide travel event.

The market, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month in Guildhall Square, was praised by the Travel and Hospitality European Travel Awards programme for its uniqueness, customer care, and quality of facilities.

Derry City and Strabane Deputy Mayor, Councillor Christopher Jackson and Nicolle Walters, Markets Development Officer pictured with traders form the Walled City Market which has been awarded the THA Local Attraction of the Year.

It was selected from over 22,000 nominations, with judges saying the chosen winners ‘reflect the very best in travel and hospitality standards’.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, congratulated all those involved in the Market’s success.

“The market offers an ideal platform for the best of local food and craft and it wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic traders that we have operating at the WCM each month,” she said.

“Whether it’s LegenDerry food or unique gifts, there’s always so much to enjoy for locals and visitors alike.”

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Awards success for LegenDerry eateries

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A Derry tapas restaurant is celebrating after being named World Food Restaurant of the Year at a nationwide awards ceremony.

El Tapas Gra, based in Waterloo Place, picked up the gong at the YesChef Ireland awards in Limerick.

A member of the local LegenDerry Food and Drink Network, the bar and restaurant serves Catalan-influenced cuisine infused with locally sourced ingredients.

Meanwhile the hugely popular Quaywest, on Derry’s Boating Club Lane, was named Ulster Seafood Restaurant of the Year.

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Taoiseach meets NW Development Fund

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The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has visited Derry to discover the positive impact the North West Regional Development Group is having on regional growth.

Attendees at the Guildhall meeting were updated about ongoing work between Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, regional strategic partners and central government to deliver economic growth, investment and environmental and social cohesion for the region.

Senior council and government representatives discussed with the Taoiseach a range of regional priorities and options for scaling up co-operation and development work on both sides of the border.

Delegates heard how, with the Irish Government’s continued support and North-South co-operation, the cross-border North West City Region can boost innovation, create jobs and contribute to a sustainable, balanced regional economy on the island of Ireland.

Members re-emphasised to the Taoiseach the Irish government’s role in supporting efforts to improve road, air, rail and sea connectivity of the region and in supporting sustainable ‘green’ growth.

Chief executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Kelpie, said the meeting highlighted both Councils’ shared goals.

He added: “Whether it is in education, business or tourism, the two Councils and Government are working collaboratively to ensure what we achieve is sustainable and brings benefits and opportunity to everyone.”

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Our Place in Space is Ready for Launch

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Centred around an epic scale model of the solar system designed by the artist Oliver Jeffers with support from leading astrophysicist Professor Stephen Smartt, Our Place in Space combines a three-dimensional sculpture trail, interactive AR app and exciting learning and events programmes.

Coming in 2022, the sculpture trail will stretch over 10 kilometres and will travel from a riverside location in Derry~Londonderry (April / May) to Divis and Black Mountain in Belfast (June / July), before heading to Cambridge (August) and returning to Northern Ireland at the Transport Museum and North Down Coastal Path (September / October).

Artist Oliver Jeffers said: “For centuries, we’ve defined ourselves by who we are and who we’re not. Which side we choose, on what ground we stand, who and what we fight for. A human story, that lives merely in human minds. But with distance comes perspective… Our Place in Space is a playful experiment that asks: What is the difference between ‘us’ and ‘them’? What happens to your perspective on everything when you look back at Earth from space?”

The team behind Our Place in Space is led by Nerve Centre and includes artists Oliver Jeffers and Die Hexen, Professor Stephen Smartt from the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast, as well as National Museums NI, NI Science Festival, Big Motive, Taunt, Microsoft, Jeffers & Sons, University of Cambridge, Dumbworld, Live Music Now, Little Inventors, and Urban Scale Interventions.

Location partners include Derry City & Strabane District Council, National Trust, Cambridge City Council and Ards & North Down Borough Council.

David Lewis, Executive Producer at the Nerve Centre, said: “Our Place in Space is an exciting collaboration between some of our finests minds in science, technology and the arts.”

‘From creating a star to writing a symphony for the universe, inventing a new form of transport, building a Minecraft planet or connecting with space watchers in Vietnam or Iraq, Our Place in Space invites participants to look at our solar system in a different way – exploring what it means to live on Earth in 2022, and how we might better share and protect our planet in future.’

Our Place in Space is Northern Ireland’s project for UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, commissioned by Belfast City Council.

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Pop Up Shop scheme to showcase top new talents

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Some of Derry and Strabane’s finest new entrepreneurs were unveiled today as the winners of the RE:IMAGINE new Pop Up Shop initiative, offering a platform to showcase the very best new products on the market.The six successful candidates battled it out for places in a prime retail space in Foyleside, Derry and the Pagoda Strabane, following a Dragon’s Den style pitching event to sell their ideas to a panel of expert judges.RE:IMAGINE is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, and delivered by The Fashion & Textile Design Centre (FTDC) in Derry and BID in Strabane.The initiative is part of the new Start Up Accelerator Programme being rolled out by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Enterprise NW and Strabane Enterprise Agency, with £240,000 secured to assist individuals who have participated in the Go For It Programme, to take their business ideas further and develop their business skills. The programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.The brands which will be showcasing their latest products are Coalesce Wearable Art; Koto Candles; VS – Mend and Make Do, Oh Sew Design Co.; Scottie Paws; Connie Ann. Each enterprise will be able to show their products in a busy trading space providing a launch pad for up and coming start-ups.

the entrepreneurs were congratulated by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Graham Warke, who met up with them to find out more about their exciting new brands. Mayor Warke said the scheme presented a fantastic opportunity to profile new talent keen to get established in the local marketplace. “I was so impressed by some of the products and designs which I’ve seen today,” he declared. “The Pop Up Shop space will really help to connect these top new entrepreneurs with new audiences, and raise the profile of their brand. “We have a fantastic local business community but every successful economy relies on fresh new talent to stay on top of new trends. The winners here today all demonstrate the creativity and innovation that will keep our economy driving forwards. I want to congratulate them all, and wish them every success on their business journey. I look forward to seeing them all become regular fixtures on our high street for many years to come.”The pop up shops will run until June, with five spots in Derry and one in Strabane. The entrepreneurs will also avail of a comprehensive package of wider support including bespoke mentoring, promotional marketing campaigns and technical assistance.  Council’s Head of Business, Kevin O’Connor said: “I am delighted to see six exciting new companies take the next step with the support of the Start Up Acceleration Programme and the Pop Up Shop Scheme. The local economy thankfully is beginning to turn a corner and as we look ahead to more positive times, it’s exciting to see new talent enter the market. I look forward to working with all the successful companies, and to watching their brands grow and develop over the coming months.”Deirdre Williams, Business Development Manager at the Inner City Trust’s Fashion & Textile Design Centre, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for up and coming entrepreneurs just setting out on their business journey. The costs associated with any new business can be prohibitive, so this wraparound package of support will make a major difference to all the successful candidates.  “I’m delighted at the standard of the entries, there are some extremely impressive new local brands which will add to the retail offering at both locations. I’m looking forward to working with them all and to have this opportunity to develop and profile such an exciting array of new talent.”

Meet the Winners

Elaine Duffy, Vintage Star – Mend & Make Do

Elaine Duffy lives and breathes vintage fashion.

For decades, she’s been hunting down the best preloved pieces to recreate classic looks from the 1930s, 40s and 50s – and now you can get some vintage va-va-voom too!

Vintage Star – Mend & Make Do stocks original vintage items and handmade, retro-inspired clothing and jewellery.

Whether you’re after a beautiful 1950s item, some rockabilly daywear, or a fabulous pinny to sprinkle some chic into your cooking, you’ll find it – and so much more – when you visit Elaine and her fellow start-ups at the RE:IMAGINE Pop Up, Foyleside Shopping Centre.

www.instagram.com/vintagestar304050s

Bridgene Graham and Niall Lynch, Coalesce Wearable Art

Meet Bridgene and Niall. A match made in fashion heaven.

During lockdown, designer Bridgene and her partner, tattoo artist Niall, had to close the doors of both their businesses.

Niall began drawing up some Japanese-inspired artworks, and Bridgene decided to print them onto streetwear and luxurious silk kimonos.

And so, Coalesce – meaning to grow together and unite as one – was born.

See their beautiful wearable art – and discover more brand new local designers – at the RE:IMAGINE Pop Up, Foyleside Shopping Centre.

www.instagram.com/coalesce_wearable_art

Catriona Hutton, KOTO Candles

Catriona Hutton is a self-confessed candle addict, who has always loved lighting one at home after a long day.

But here comes the science bit: “I soon realised that they contained things like paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum oil, and other toxic chemicals,” says Catriona.

“I decided to create something that I would be happy to have in my home, and so KOTO Candles was born.”

KOTO’s handmade candles, diffusers and wax melts use planet-friendly raw materials, with aromas such as soothing lavender, and zingy lemongrass.

See – and smell! – them for yourself at the RE:IMAGINE Pop Up, Foyleside Shopping Centre.

https://www.instagram.com/kotocandles

Laura Miller, Oh Sew Design Co

Banish all memories of those scratchy wool jumpers your granny used to make for you. These days, crocheting, knitwork and embroidery are the epitome of cool.

After watching her grandmother and mum knit as a child, and with a little help from YouTube, Laura Miller has mastered these traditional skills to create Oh Sew Design Co.

Think pretty wall hangings, personalised embroidery, and crocheted tote bags.

Laura’s delighted to stock her products alongside other local start-ups in the RE:IMAGINE Pop Up in Derry’s Foyleside.

“Selling online is great, but you don’t have the same community. And for customers, it’s so nice to experience a handmade product in real life,” she says.

“Every stitch is different from the rest. It’s a unique product every time.”

www.instagram.com/oh_sew_designco

Shannon McCafferty, Connie Ann

“I want my designs to be passed down the generations; timeless, beautiful pieces that never go out of fashion.”

Meet Shannon McCafferty, founder of Connie Ann.

A love of fashion runs in the family for the Derry designer, with great grandparents who worked in  the shirt factory, and a style-conscious mother who’d save her lunch money to buy clothes.

After studying fashion design in Liverpool, Shannon returned home and began creating Connie Ann clothing and accessories, inspired by her love of 1970s fashion and Indian fabrics.

So take a trip back in time, transport yourself to India, and see the amazing range for yourself at the RE:IMAGINE pop up In Foyleside Shopping Centre.

Jenna Mitchell, Scottie Paws, Strabane Pagoda

Do you have a four-legged fashionista?

Thanks to Scottie Paws, you can kit out your pet in the coolest of clobber – such as leopard print bandanas, tartan bow ties, and cupcake-emblazoned leads in a variety of sizes.

Founder Jenna Mitchell, who also runs a horse-riding stables and equine fashion brand, has her very own brand ambassador and model: her Jack Russell, Chase, who turns heads in the park with his bright, bold accessories.

Visit her RE:IMAGINE standalone pop up shop in Strabane’s Pagoda, and turn every dog walk into a fashion catwalk. www.instagram.com/scottiepawspets

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Explore the best in the North West – ‘Happy Days’ Online Guide to North West’s Best Experiences Goes Live

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A new website listing arts and cultural events in the North West has been launched to provide a one-stop guide to the best family fun experiences in Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

The www.happydaysnw.com website, which covers the entire spectrum of arts and culture events and experiences across the region, is a joint initiative by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council. The initiative, which is primarily aimed at engaging more families with arts and culture, is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and is part of the ongoing, cross border, North West Audience Development Project, supported by the North West Strategic Development Fund.

Visitors checking out Derry/Londonderry Tower Museum

The comprehensive ‘What’s On’ guide involves partnerships with hundreds of cultural partners across the North West. These include visitor centres, theatres, arts centres, entertainment venues, festival organisers and experience providers offering great family days out, ranging from unique and exciting instead adventures to more relaxing cultural activities. The initiative also fosters and encourages public engagement and participation with cultural partners through social media channels.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Jack Murray, said: “Our region offers among the best family-orientated arts and culture experiences available anywhere and happydaysnw.com gives everyone the opportunity to quickly find and explore the information needed to plan their perfect family day out.

“The Happy Days initiative is yet another example of the strong partnership approach that exists between our two local authorities and will play an important role in engaging many more families with our rich arts and culture scene.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, said the new initiative is designed to “simplify the planning of great family days out in the North West”.

“I’m delighted to launch this initiative which gives people instant access to the many fantastic arts and cultural events and experiences our region has to offer – all in a single online hub. The North West has a very rich calendar of arts and cultural events, boasts a great many wonderful destinations and offers some of the most fun-filled experiences on these islands.

“Happydaysnw.com brings all of these and more together in an online listing that makes discovering, planning, and enjoying family days out simple and convenient for all.”

Sharon Meenan, Arts and Culture Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Challenge Fund, this initiative is part of the NW Audience Development Plan and is designed to enable everyone to easily access information about arts and culture in the North West.

“By providing all the practical information on one website, it’s easier for families to find out about cultural activities near them, connect with like-minded people online and plan their special days out across the Derry-Londonderry, Strabane, and Donegal areas.

“Whether it’s dancing, crafts, heritage, festivals, literature, theatre, visual arts, sport or learning activities you’re after; Happy Days offers a one-stop guide to what’s on, where and at what time. It also details all of the amazing spaces on our doorstep and highlights access-friendly spaces so you can plan great days out for everyone.”

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Our Place in Space prepares for take-off

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A captivating new sculpture trail designed by the bestselling children’s author and artist Oliver Jeffers is coming to Derry this Spring.

Centred around an epic scale model of the solar system created by Jeffers with support from astrophysicist Professor Stephen Smartt, Our Place in Space combines a three-dimensional sculpture trail, interactive AR (augmented reality) app, and exciting learning and events programmes.

The sculpture trail will stretch over 10 kilometres and will travel from a riverside location in Derry in April/May, to Divis and Black Mountain in Belfast in June/July. It will then head to Cambridge in August before returning to Northern Ireland at the Transport Museum and North Down Coastal Path in September/October.

The team behind Our Place in Space is led by Derry’s Nerve Centre, with location partners including Derry City and Strabane District Council.

David Lewis, executive producer at the Nerve Centre, said: “From creating a star to writing a symphony for the universe, inventing a new form of transport, building a Minecraft planet or connecting with space watchers in Vietnam or Iraq, Our Place in Space invites participants to look at our solar system in a different way – exploring what it means to live on Earth in 2022, and how we might better share and protect our planet in future.”

Our Place in Space is Northern Ireland’s project for UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, commissioned by Belfast City Council.

To find out more and sign up to the mailing list, visit: www.ourplaceinspace.earth

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Illumination festival set to light up the city

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A two-week illumination festival will be held in Derry in February, with some of the city’s most iconic buildings transformed into pieces of art.

The ‘Illuminating the Walled City’ spectacular will run from February 14 to 27, from 5pm to 10pm daily.

It will consist of three main elements including an Illuminated Trail of Light, with props, performers and lanterns, a music programme embracing the theme of light in unique locations, and live illumination experiences featuring landmark buildings.

The plans follow the major success of the Lumiere light festival as part of the City of Culture 2013 programme, which highlighted the requirement for an out-of-season experience that will attract visitors to the city.

Derry City & Strabane District Council has received a Service Level Agreement (SLA) from Tourism NI for £451k to the two-week long festival. It is 100% funded with no additional budget required by council.

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