First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Junior Minister Joanne Bunting highlighted the growing economic momentum in the North West as they addressed the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President’s annual lunch.
The event, sponsored by Ulster University and hosted in the Millennium Forum in Derry, brought together over 200 business leaders, political representatives and civic stakeholders from across Northern Ireland and the North West.
In his address to the audience, Derry Chamber President Steven Lindsay outlined the theme of this year’s event – “Driving Regional Delivery for National Impact” – highlighting the growing confidence in the North West economy and the role the region can play in strengthening the wider Northern Ireland and island economy.
Speaking at the event, First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA, said: “The North West is vital in driving economic growth. When we invest in regional strengths, support businesses to grow and back innovation, we create opportunities that reach far beyond any one place.
“There is real momentum here – in the expansion of Magee, in the delivery of the City Deal and in the ambition of local businesses backed by the Chamber. Our focus is on building on that progress, so that people, communities and businesses right across the North West can benefit from a strong and sustainable future.”
Junior Minister Joanne Bunting also addressed the event, highlighting the importance of regional balance in strengthening the Northern Ireland economy.
Junior Minister, Joanne Bunting MLA, said: “I want to commend Londonderry Chamber of Commerce for its dedication to supporting local businesses and championing growth across this city and the wider North West. The work being undertaken is vital in strengthening our economy and creating opportunities for communities across the region.
“This city and the wider region are integral to Northern Ireland’s prosperity, and as an Executive, we remain committed to unlocking economic potential, driving investment, and making a real, sustainable difference for the future.”
The programme, sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland, also featured a fireside conversation between entrepreneur and Bubblebum founder Gráinne Kelly and host Jim Fitzpatrick, as well as a panel discussion examining indigenous entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth in the region. Panel participants included Jennifer Neff, Founder of Hightop and Entrepreneur in Residence at The AMP; Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy; Myles Patton, Principal Economist at Ulster University; and tech entrepreneur and investor Paul McElvaney of Leap Forward.
In his remarks, Chamber President Steven Lindsay highlighted a series of recent investments and developments in the North West as evidence of growing confidence in the regional economy. These included Dunnes Stores’ €15 million investment in the redevelopment of its Foyleside store, the expansion of Vertiv creating around 200 new jobs linked to global demand in AI and data centres, and investment supporting the growth of emerging technology firms such as Optik AI.
The President also emphasised the importance of continued investment in education and skills, highlighting the expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus towards the Programme for Government target of 10,000 students as a pivotal moment in the long-term economic development of the region.
The event also explored the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic growth in the North West, with business leaders sharing their experiences of building companies from the region and scaling them internationally.
Steven Lindsay, President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, said: “Today’s event is an opportunity to reflect not only on the progress that has been made across the North West economy, but also on the role this region can play in strengthening the wider Northern Ireland and island economy.
“Across the region we are seeing clear signs of growing momentum — from new investment and job creation to the expansion of Ulster University at Magee and the continued delivery of the Derry and Strabane City Deal.
“The message from the North West business community is clear: when regional economies are supported to deliver, they can generate impact far beyond their immediate geography.
“The North West has the talent, the ambition and the partnerships required to drive that delivery, and we look forward to continuing to work with government and our partners across business, education and civic life to realise the full potential of this region.”
Cathy Gormley Heenan, Provost, Ulster University, said: “Ulster University is proud to sponsor Londonderry Chamber’s Annual President’s Lunch.
“As a multi-campus University, with a strong presence across our region, we are deeply committed to helping drive the economic growth, opportunity, and innovation that improve lives and strengthen communities.
“That commitment is especially important in Derry~Londonderry, where our ambition and investment have never been stronger. Through our focus on people, place and partnership, we are building on the University’s strengths in both teaching and research, while working closely with the Chamber, its members, and a wide range of partners to support social mobility, contribute to economic prosperity and help shape a confident future for the city and the wider region.”
