City Deal Spotlight Interview

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The Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal has celebrated a major milestone with the signing of a Financial Deal to unlock more than £290 million of investment in health, life science and digital projects and bring transformational change to the region.

Derry City and Strabane District Council Chief Executive John Kelpie explains the key benefits of the City Deal, and what it could mean to people hoping to return to the North West.

Congratulations on the signing of the Financial Deal. How will the City Deal change people’s day-to-day lives in the Derry City and Strabane region?

The Derry City and Strabane City Deal will improve people’s quality of life by creating more job opportunities, a safer, more vibrant city and town centre, and a focus on education and skills. It has the potential to bring up to 6,300 jobs by 2033 and lever additional millions in investment over the next decade. We aim to increase our output growth with a GVA (gross value added) of £230m per annum, which should see a significant rise in wages. People can expect to see real growth in sectors such as health and life sciences, digital industries and SMART technology that will support economic investment and regeneration, and also boost tourism and culture.

As someone who has been working on the City Deal since its inception, what aspect of the deal are you most proud of?

This is a once in a generation deal; its impact will be felt by the people of the city and district for many years to come. Personally, I’m proud of the collaboration between all the key partners who worked tirelessly to get it across the line. It’s been a joined-up approach which has seen us harness collective resources, expertise and passion for the North West. The investment from the UK government and NI Executive, plus the input from all the delivery partners, allows us to leverage additional private sector investment and make a real, positive difference to local people’s lives.

What type of jobs will be created?

We anticipate jobs will be created across all City Deal projects – including Smart Cities and digital enabling infrastructure, the School of Medicine and C-TRIC expansion, Strabane town centre’s regeneration, the Derry riverfront regeneration, Walled City tourism and the DNA (Derry North Atlantic) Museum in Ebrington.

Sustainability, inclusivity and employability are crucial and partners are already working to create a skills pipeline for the employment opportunities created by the City Deal – helping people upskill, reskill and boost digital skills.

The investment will also boost confidence and stimulate additional private sector activity and jobs. We anticipate an overall increase of 12% in the labour market, with large increases in areas such as healthcare and tourism.

What benefits will the City Deal bring for potential investors?

The North West is already an attractive proposition for investors, thanks to our unique cross-border location, our talented, well-educated workforce, and our fantastic quality of life. The City Deal, with its emphasis on innovation, digital infrastructure and regeneration will transform our local economy, and make the city and district an even greater place to do business.  

What are the next steps for the City Deal?

The official signing of the Financial Deal means Council and its delivery partners can now access funding to progress to the next stage of delivering the projects, once the full business cases are approved. The next phase of the City Deal will focus on detailed design and delivery. This work will include a wider awareness and engagement process, as the designs are developed.

What message would you have for anyone looking to return or relocate to the North West?

If you grew up here, or are considering a move here, you’ll already know that there’s nowhere quite like the North West. Our location, the friendliness of our people and our rich cultural heritage are second to none. There’s an energy and excitement here, and economic growth in recent years means we are already seeing diaspora return to live, work and raise their families. The City Deal will supercharge that prosperity, innovation and regeneration. There’s never been a better time to come home. I would encourage anyone considering relocation to visit investderrystrabane.com and sign up to the Derry Strabane Global newsletter for job and investment updates, and help planning their move.

When will City Deal projects be visible on the ground?

The pledge by the UK and NI Governments with the signing of the Financial Deal allows us to progress to the delivery phase of the projects, which will be on a phased approach over the next 10 years. The first visible project will be the DNA Museum being on site by early 2025 and the Museum opening in late 2026. All of the projects are at different stages of delivery, and these will be implemented in phases. With the financial deal in place, we will now be moving at pace to bring the other projects such as the Strabane Strategic Leisure project, a key element of the Strabane Regeneration, to the next stage of delivery. There will also be a focus on creating designs and drawings ahead of engagement with the public and partners.

What legacy do you hope the City Deal will leave for future generations?

With its focus on sustainable growth and lasting change, the positive impacts of the City Deal will be felt for generations to come – from health and wellbeing, to job prospects and economic prosperity. It’s about fulfilling Derry City and Strabane’s potential as a thriving, prosperous and inclusive region for all its inhabitants.

Where can the public find out more and be kept informed about progress?

People can visit www.derrystrabane.com/citydeal and keep an eye on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s social media channel for updates.

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‘There’s something very special happening in the North West right now’

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Derry entrepreneur Jennifer Neff co-founded social prescribing start-up Elemental, now Access Elemental, in 2013. The company supports over 20 million people across the UK, Ireland and Australia, helping them access personalised support and care in their own communities, and tackling health inequalities. Jennifer, who was recently awarded the Society Award at this year’s TechUK President’s Awards, shares her story, and her advice for people considering a relocation or investment in the North West.

“Winning the TechUK President’s Award was of those pinch me moments. The competition was high, so I was under no illusion that it would be an easy win. When they called out my name in the packed conference hall in central London, full of the UK’s leading tech companies and Thought Leaders, I put my head in my hands and sat still in total disbelief as everyone cheered. I asked myself, ‘Has a non-technical co-founder just won overall tech UK President’s Award for Society?’, and the answer was ‘Hell, yes!’

It is one of my career highlights to date and is great for women in tech, tech for good and for Derry! Any chance I get to talk about Derry and how wonderful Derry is and Derry people are, I am in there. 

When I co-founded Elemental with Leeann Monk-Ӧzgül in 2013, we took the story of Derry to every city, town and village we could (even Dubai) and talked about what was so great about Derry, but also how we were tackling health inequalities here, to help others tackle the avoidable issues affecting their localities. As a result, we were invited to participate in the regeneration and improvement of other places and spaces. The Access Elemental platform was created and implemented across communities so people could get more personalised support and care to improve their health and wellbeing in their own communities.

Leeann and myself always had total belief in what we were doing and why we were doing it – I think that is part of being a Derry Girl, and the strong generations of Derry Women down the years. We surrounded ourselves with the best mentors and the best people we could find in the region, and learned from them. 

We were bought out by the UK’s largest UK-based tech company, The Access Group, in August 2021, five years after we first launched Elemental Software. There’s been lots more investment in the team and the Elemental product which has enabled us to expand into Australia and develop new products across the NHS and local Councils throughout the UK. Over 20 million people are now engaging in services such as debt advice, mental health support, physical activity and befriending support via Access Elemental. We’ve developed a unique marketplace product, Access Elemental Marketplace, that community and voluntary groups and services feature on and receive referrals via that is accessible by commissioners, clinical leads and community leaders. It’s been rolled out across cities as we speak.

I would say to everyone living/working, or considering returning to the region, to think about starting their own business. We’re a resilient, creative and caring bunch of people here in Derry and Strabane; all the right qualities for starting and growing successful businesses. There are lots of opportunities and support here from me and others. The FEED programme for example – funded by NatWest and based at The Amp, Ebrington Square – is one of many programmes available to help people spark ideas and take their ideas to the next level.

I was also asked to be the Entrepreneur in Residence, one of three experienced mentors, and the only female mentor, in the Founder Labs, an accelerator programme to support early-stage innovation businesses in Northern Ireland. We’re keen to get as much representation from the North West as possible. The next cohort of participants will be starting the programme in mid-November. 

There’s something very special happening here right now with high growth start-ups. Having received angel funding over the years for Access Elemental, I have now become an investor myself and made my first investment recently in a Derry-based start-up. It makes all the difference to the company, job creation opportunities and building the social and economic potential of the region. I would encourage other firms and individuals to invest in Derry and Strabane-based businesses.

The business landscape is changing here. It’s not just about the accountants, solicitors and insurance companies anymore. We have animation, gaming, renewable energy, creative, tech for good and clothing brands operating on an international level, all based in Derry and Strabane. There are more women, young people and ethnic minority groups taking the step into entrepreneurship than ever. 

Having lived abroad in Edinburgh, Manchester and the United Arab Emirates, I feel so fortunate to be home. I can walk to work, my kids walk to school, cold-water dip and surf within a 20-minute drive. I get to give back and mentor others coming through social entrepreneurship journeys and I can be in London, Manchester and Birmingham for meetings within 90 minutes.

And I’m able to pop into see my mum and dad for a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit; you can’t put a price on that.”

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Taoiseach Simon Harris Visits Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry

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Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. visited Derry~Londonderry to discuss the University’s vision for growth in higher education provision in the North West.

Ulster University welcomed An Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. to its campus in Derry~Londonderry where he met with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholemew to discuss the University’s vision for growth in higher education provision in the North West.

The Taoiseach also delivered the 2024 John Hume and Thomas P. O’Neill Chair Peace Lecture, co-hosted by the University with the John and Pat Hume Foundation.

As the new academic year begins on the campus, a thriving hub for health sciences, creative industries, computing and the arts, the Taoiseach visited the site on which a new teaching and student services building will be developed, supported by cross border investment from the Irish Government and University reserves.

Announced in 2023, the €44.5 million investment at Ulster University’s campus in Derry~Londonderry by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island initiative will expand higher education in the North West region.

Providing additional lecture and seminar spaces, computer labs and on-campus student services, the facility will also underpin research and teaching cooperation between Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University in Donegal, while also enabling the four North West Tertiary Education Cluster institutions to work more closely together in the provision of further and higher education in the region.

During the visit earlier today, Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. said:

“I was pleased to visit Ulster University in Derry once again today, with its thriving campus alive with new and returning students on their higher education journey.”

“It was a priority for me as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, to agree and move forward in June 2023 with the major Shared Island Fund investment by the Irish Government in Ulster University’s campus, fulfilling our commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement to support the expansion of student numbers in Derry and economic opportunity for young people across the North West.”

“As Taoiseach, I affirmed with Vice-Chancellor Bartholomew today the Government’s partnership with Ulster University, including on the new teaching building project and funding of student healthcare training places in Derry. We also discussed Ulster University’s wider development and expansion plans and commitment to cross-border cooperation, in delivering a world-class institution that attracts students and researchers from across the island of Ireland, Great Britain and around the world.

“The Government will be working to see cross-border tertiary education and research links, both North/South and East/West, reach even greater heights in the time ahead.”

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew said:

“We were delighted to welcome Taoiseach Simon Harris to Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry to showcase our thriving campus and our ambitious plans for growth as we look ahead to the development of the new teaching and student services building supported by the Government of Ireland, through the Shared Island initiative.

“The Taoiseach has been a long-standing supporter of our work here in the North West, both during his time as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and now, as Taoiseach. Today’s visit was an opportunity to further discuss our distinct regional mission and our shared commitment to transform education and support economic growth in the North West.”

“In Derry~Londonderry, we are providing the most comprehensive healthcare higher education offering in the UK and Ireland. This is a campus that is addressing key challenges in the healthcare sector head on, whether that be through training the next wave of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to combat staff shortages across the North West and beyond, or with our pioneering research into personalised medicine. It was a pleasure to discuss this with the Taoiseach and share our plans for continued investment in Derry~Londonderry.”

The visit comes as Ulster University is nominated for University of the Year by Times Higher Education and recognised as the highest-ranking UK university for outreach activities, and fifth in the world overall, in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.

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Mayor hosts Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. on his first official visit to Derry

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Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr hosted the Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. on 16th September when he visited Derry as part of an official visit to the city to attend several engagements.

The Taoiseach received a tour of the Guildhall and met with officials from Derry City and Strabane District Council where he heard about the range of exciting initiatives being taken forward by Council and its delivery partners as part of the City Deal Project. As part of the meeting, the Taoiseach also received an update on the regional growth priorities for the North West City Region, in particular the positive collaborative work being done through the North West Regional Development Group in partnership with Donegal County Council and strategic partners in central government on both sides of the border.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said she was extremely proud to welcome the Taoiseach on his first official visit to the City and District. She said it was an excellent opportunity to highlight to the Irish Government the strong level of engagement and collaboration that is taking place on a cross-border basis and the commitment by everyone to work collectively for growth and economic prosperity.

She said: “It was a great honour to welcome the Taoiseach Simon Harris to the City and the Guildhall and to give him an overview of the very many positive activities and initiatives we are working on with a focus on maximising the full potential of our region so that people in both jurisdictions can see and feel the benefits. The meeting was a very positive one and a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the level of support received to date and the important role the Irish Government can continue to play in facilitating further regeneration and investment in this region. I want to acknowledge the Irish Government’s funding towards the new teaching block at Ulster University and the ongoing positive engagement in relation to further expansion of the university in Derry, as well as the level of support provided for the NW territory education cluster.”

The Mayor welcoming the Shared Island Wild Atlantic Way/Causeway Coastal Route Tourism Brand Collab Project announcement said she was delighted to see this collaborative approach to promoting the tourism product and was very keen to see the Walled City positioned at the centre of where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coast Route.

John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council said the visit of the Taoiseach was an opportunity for Council to acknowledge the Irish Government’s commitment to the region to date through the North West Strategic Growth Partnership and the NW Regional Development Group whilst also highlighting the importance of a continued shared approach to sustainable growth, economic development and infrastructural regeneration and the need for continued funding to support the North West region.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting was the Irish Government’s ongoing support on the A5 project and continued engagement to advance the Derry to Dublin airlink as well as Shared Island funding support for a range of joint initiatives with Donegal County Council such as the Sli Colmcille pilgrimage route project, a North West De-carb Exemplar Decarbonised Public Building and Transportation project as well as a NW Regulatory Technology Cluster.

“The Council took the opportunity to reinforce the message around collaboration and the success we have experienced of working together and how it has allowed us to develop programmes to support the economy such as support programmes for SMEs and start-ups, joint FDI/investment trade missions, greenways, cultural and heritage programmes, tourism development projects and destination marketing campaigns. Going forward we highlighted the need for a continued joined-up approach when it comes to investment in road, air, rail and sea connectivity in our region as well continued focus to enhance tertiary education provision, improved job and skills opportunities and investment in our tourism and cultural offerings as well as our North West Technology clusters.”

The Taoiseach was in the City to attend a number of events and meetings including projects to develop tourism on a collaborative cross-border basis in the North West; community engagement and reconciliation, and investment in higher education provision in the region through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, while also delivering the John Hume and Thomas P. O’Neill Chair Peace Lecture at Ulster University’s campus.  

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Mayor speaks at annual Congressional Black Caucus Conference

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The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, has been in Washington, D.C. in recent days, where she was invited to speak at the 53rd Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Legislative Conference.

The theme of this year’s event, ‘From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices’ focused on critical issues impacting education, health, technology, civic engagement, and equity. One of the key topics of discussion was the growing attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, is a premier gathering of policymakers, thought leaders, activists, and community members dedicated to advancing the global Black community. The agenda included a National Town Hall on equal economic opportunity, as well as diverse panels aimed at securing and sustaining progress for Black people across the globe.

Mayor Seenoi Barr was among a number of international delegates invited to speak at this high-profile conference. In addition to addressing key issues affecting the Black community, this year’s discussions challenged rising authoritarianism, global anti-Blackness, and explored pioneering legislative and policy solutions.

In the lead-up to the conference, Mayor Seenoi Barr participated in a series of meetings with officials from the U.S. State Department, the Irish Embassy in Washington, and various members of Congress. These engagements provided an opportunity to advocate for economic opportunities in Derry City and Strabane district, with a focus on tourism, trade, and investment.

Speaking after the conference, Mayor Seenoi Barr said: “I was honoured to be invited to address the Annual Legislative Conference. It was a fantastic platform to highlight Derry and Strabane’s efforts in promoting racial equity and inclusion, and to showcase some of the incredible work being done to connect communities and address inequality.  

“I also had the opportunity to engage with some visionary academics, politicians, policymakers, and potential investors, making the case for Derry’s economic growth through tourism and trade.”

The CBCF’s mission to advance the global Black community by cultivating leadership and informing policy resonates strongly with Mayor Seenoi Barr’s vision for inclusive economic growth. She emphasised, “As someone who believes in shared growth and economic prosperity for everyone, I know that by supporting the most vulnerable in society, we ensure benefits for all. I look forward to building on the connections made during this trip to further our goals of racial equity and economic development for Derry and Strabane.”

“The Annual Legislative Conference is more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for change,” said a CBCF spokesperson. “Our mission is to uplift, empower, and advance the Black community by cultivating leadership, informing policy, and educating the public.”

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Mayor welcomes students from Goodenough College community

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The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, welcomed a delegation of PhD students from a special London College community to the Guildhall on Friday for a special reception.

It’s the first time that students from Goodenough College have visited the city as part of a wider cultural enrichment programme. Goodenough College is an educational charity providing award winning postgraduate student accommodation in the heart of London’s university district.

The College aims to provide a supportive community for over 700 international postgraduate and their families from over 80 different nations. It benefits students through a programme of intellectual, cultural and social activities that gives students access to an international network and nurtures a global outlook. 

12 students arrived in the city as part of a trip aimed promoting their understanding of N. Ireland, and in particular Derry, including its history and culture. While they are here the group are staying at St Columb’s Park House and visiting a number of local sites.

Welcoming the group to the City, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said: “I am always delighted to welcome young people to Derry and to share some of our wonderful heritage and culture. We have a strong connection with the City of London in terms of promoting skills and education, and this was another opportunity to discuss our shared interests and the many benefits of living, learning and working here.

“The students really enjoyed their visit to the Guildhall, where they had the chance to ask questions about local politics, peace-building and how Derry has been positively transformed over the years. They were also impressed to learn more about the city’s development as a leading hub for research and innovation excellence particularly in the areas of AI, data, health, and industry 4.0 technologies.”

Travelling with the students are the Dean of the Goodenough College, Alan McCormack originally from N. Ireland, who is also chaplain to the Lord Mayor City of London and Catherine McGuinness (fellow of Goodenough College and former Policy Chair, City of London).

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, pictured with a delegation from Goodenough College, London, held in the Mayor's Parlour. Seated on her left is Alan McCormack (Dean, Goodenough College) and on right Catherine McGuinness CBE (Chair of the policy & resources committee, City of London Corporation). Standing on the right is Adam Goodall, Investment Project Officer, DCSDC. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, pictured with a delegation from Goodenough College, London, held in the Mayor’s Parlour. Seated on her left is Alan McCormack (Dean, Goodenough College) and on right Catherine McGuinness CBE (Chair of the policy & resources committee, City of London Corporation). Standing on the right is Adam Goodall, Investment Project Officer, DCSDC. (Photo – Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)
 
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Spotlight interview – Aoife Warren, Partner, EY Northern Ireland.

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Aoife Warren is a Partner with the global professional services firm EY. As part of EY Northern Ireland’s team, Aoife works with clients across Ireland, the UK, and globally. She is also involved in EY’s plans to establish a new North West hub, and create 1,000 new jobs across Northern Ireland in the next five years. Donegal-born Aoife graduated from Queens University Belfast with a Masters in Computer-Based Learning and lived and worked in the city for around 20 years before relocating to Derry with her family in 2021.

What can you tell us about the new EY hub in the North West?

It is really exciting that as part of our growth aspirations, we will seek to establish a regional hub in the North West to access the breadth of talent in the area.

I’m delighted to be working with Rob Heron, EY NI Managing Partner, on developing the strategy to grow our business in this region.

While EY has its roots in audit, tax, corporate finance and consulting services, over recent years it has expanded rapidly in response to growing client demand to include new offerings in areas such as technology and people advisory services, strategy, Artificial Intelligence and data analytics, among others. 

It is our intention to ensure some of these new roles are based in the North West and accessible to all talent in NI.

Why was the North West chosen?

This area was chosen for growth and development as a result of the untapped talent and highly skilled workforce. We are excited to leverage the diverse skillsets here as well as support new skills development through the Assured Skills Academy Programme run by the Department for the Economy.

We also recognise the broader collective focus between government, local councils and higher education, working together to continue to grow the North West region as a place to work and live.

The recent developments in infrastructure, connectivity, and education are attractive to a global firm like EY, establishing itself in the region.

What type of roles will EY be hiring for over the next five years?

As EY expands and develops its operations in Northern Ireland, we see growth opportunities in areas such as technology, data and analytics, people and advisory and risk as well as supporting the development of our core corporate financial and consulting services.

Globally, EY operates a hybrid working model, a model we will also adopt in the North West. We are currently looking at office space to support our ambition to establish our hub as soon as possible.

What does your role involve?

I am a Consulting Partner in EY Northern Ireland, and I work with teams and clients across Ireland, the UK and globally.

I support clients who are preparing for a significant business transaction, this involves helping companies establish or improve business processes.

I am also People Lead for our Northern Ireland operation, which involves continuously reviewing how we are attracting, developing and retaining the best people for our business.

What is an average day at work like for you?

We operate a hybrid working model, so when I’m working from home – early morning is generally spent getting my six and seven-year olds ready for school!

If I am not working from home, I will generally leave early to beat the traffic and get to Belfast by 8am. Once or twice per month I will fly to London directly from Derry Airport for client meetings. The days are spent in a mix of internal strategy and operations meetings, and client facing or business development meetings. And sometimes managing to grab a coffee or lunch with someone during the day.

What I love about my role is that I have the opportunity to work on big, complex and often global, transactions but yet still live in Derry/Londonderry close to my family and friends. I feel very privileged to be able to get the best of both worlds.

Why did you decide to return to the North West?

We loved living in Belfast but my husband is a proud Derry man and I’m from Donegal, so our decision to move ‘home’ was very much driven by wanting to be nearer to family. There are a multitude of other factors including the friendly people, the close-knit community, housing, and lifestyle. We just love this part of the world – the great outdoors, parks, and the beautiful beaches of Donegal. We can finish work and go to the beach with the kids in the evening – when we get the weather!

How do you spend your time off?

I like to meet up with my friends and walk the ‘two bridges’ followed by coffee and breakfast along the quay. As a family we love to explore all the woods, beaches and parks of Derry and Donegal. I love art and dabble a little bit with painting. I try to do weekend workshops with local Derry/Donegal artist Natasha Barr. She runs them from her studio in Quigley’s Point overlooking Lough Foyle – it’s a great way to de-stress and take time-out. 

What advice would you have for someone considering a move back to the North West?

I think anyone considering it should weigh up all the factors, do their research and determine when the timing is right for them…but ultimately for us it has been a very positive move.

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New Lord Mayor of City of London renews ties with Derry and Strabane

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The newly inaugurated Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Michael Mainelli, was in Derry and Strabane last week to explore the challenges and the opportunities for advancing trade, investment and civic connections for the two cities.

The 695th Lord Mayor and his delegation were welcomed to the Guildhall by Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, who was joined by Council Chief Executive John Kelpie and senior officers to discuss priorities for the City Region.

Northern Ireland is his first visit as Lord Mayor, and Alderman Mainelli took part in a number of local engagements including a visit to Foyle College and lunch with local business leaders hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. He also took the opportunity to meet with representatives of the International Regulatory Innovation Supercluster (IRIS) including Atlantic Technological University, Catalyst, Donegal County Council, Ulster University and the Council. 

Elected annually, the Lord Mayor of the City of London is an international ambassador leading overseas business delegations to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry. He also heads up the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City.

Derry and Strabane retains strong connections with the City of London and London Corporation, developed over recent years, with shared interests in the areas of Financial and Professional Services, technology, tourism and culture.

Welcoming the new Lord Mayor to the City, Mayor Logue said their meeting had been an opportunity to discuss building the ties that can generate growth in both our regions.

“The meeting with Ald. Mainelli was a great chance to discuss progress to date and our priorities going forwards,” she declared.

“The City of London is a global leader in the Financial and Professional Services sector. Our meeting today offered a platform to discuss some of our recent success stories, including the announcement by one of Ireland’s fastest growing fintech companies, FinTrU of plans to invest over £20m creating an additional 300 new jobs in Derry.

“As a Council we are committed to developing strong international business links, and will continue to explore opportunities for future investment and growth, building on the fantastic work that has already been done to develop our key industries, the emerging fintech cluster here, as well as shared interests in innovation, education and climate action.

During his term in office, Ald. Mainelli had pledged to promote his Theme of Connect To Prosper. This initiative is focused on harnessing the City of London’s vast knowledge ecosystem and will bring together thought leaders from the scientific, academic and business worlds to demonstrate the City’s strengths in solving global challenges.

On his visit he said he would continue to explore new avenues to collaborate with Derry and Strabane and opportunities for closer alignment between the City Region and City of London.

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US Envoy leads delegation to North West

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A senior business delegation led by US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph P. Kennedy, III, visited the North West in October 2023 as part of their wider Northern Ireland itinerary.

Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 26th October 2023 Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye

They were hosted by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue to a Business Lunch at the Guildhall that was attended by over 40 delegates from the U.S., local partners and stakeholders including representatives from Ulster University, the North West Regional College, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, City Centre Initiative and the neighbouring Donegal County Council.

A significant number of globally focused local businesses and international investors who are located in the NorthWest region were also in attendance alongside Jayne Brady, Head of the Civil Service and representatives from the U.S. Department of State and Invest NI.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue said she was delighted to welcome the delegation to the Guildhall. She said the visit was an important occasion for the North West region to promote and sell its compelling and unique investment opportunity.

She said: “This high-profile delegation offered us an opportunity to promote the NorthWest region’s unique location as a cross border city region with access to both the EU and UK markets, with a dynamic talent and skilful population thanks to our strong university and further and higher education provision and our unique approach to developing a skilled workforce for business. We were also able to promote the flexibility of our people, our rich culture and heritage and the quality of life for people living here.

“The focus of the business lunch was for U.S. investors and local NorthWest businesses to engage in ideas and experiences and to showcase our rich tourism, culture and heritage and unique business offering. The delegation was impressed by the strong collaboration and partnership that exists between all our business sectors and the supportive environment that is available here for investors.”

The event was an opportunity for companies from a diverse range of sectors including Fintech, digital, creative, advanced manufacturing and life and health sciences to network and engage with one another.

In addition to getting an update on the region’s City and Growth Deal and wider strategic projects from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Chief Executive, the delegation heard contributions from a range of US companies who have invested in the area such as Seagate and Allstate NI, as well as from local leading businesses like NuPrint, FAST Technologies, Alchemy and Access Elemental, before taking a tour of the Guildhall and viewing the John Hume Nobel Peace Prize and a walking tour of the historic City Walls and the Peace Bridge.

The Mayor concluded that the visit reflected the continued commitment of Special Envoy Joseph P. Kennedy III to showcasing the North West as an attractive location for US investors

The delegation arrived in Northern Ireland on October 24 for a number of days to meet local business leaders, established US investors and politicians and took time visit key tourist attractions.

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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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