Business leaders to debate future of NW economy in Derry

The future of the North West economy and the role it could play in delivering economic prosperity to the whole of Northern Ireland will be the topic at the centre of a major roundtable debate event to be held in Derry later this month.

The debate is the third in a series of Danske Advantage events hosted by Danske Bank in partnership with some of the North’s leading business organisations.

The North West economic roundtable with the city’s Chamber of Commerce will see over 100 business leaders gather on September 23 in the Great Hall at Ulster University’s Magee Campus.

At the event each table of business leaders will discuss the key issues facing the regional economy and the opportunities for growth, with that information fed back to the wider audience by high profile debate facilitators.

They include Environment Minister Mark H. Durkan, John Kelpie, chief executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Professor Paddy Nixon, Vice-Chancellor of the Ulster University and John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism NI.

Danske Bank’s chief economist Angela McGowan will also present on the economic opportunities for the North West and Northern Ireland.

Sinead McLaughlin, chief executive of the city’s Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber was committed to ensuring that the business environment in which its members’ trade was conducive to their needs.

She added: “What is missing from the public debate in Northern Ireland is a consideration of how a long-term strategy of investment, local enterprise development and entrepreneurial public policy could collectively transform the North West economy.

“I am really looking forward to a full and frank engagement with all the debate leaders as we grapple with the issues affecting progress.”

Redmond McFadden, head of Danske Bank’s Derry Finance Centre added the bank was committed to supporting businesses in all regions of Northern Ireland.

He added: “We we know the challenges companies face and their opportunities for growth are often unique to their location.

“This latest Danske Advantage event is designed to generate debate and stimulate ideas that that will help local businesses to realise their full potential.”