The Derry Chamber of Commerce this week welcomed the long awaited publication of the Retail Strategy for the City Centre. Sinead McLaughlin, Chief Executive commented "This Retail document gives a fair and detailed analysis of the retail offer in our City as well as examining the policy environment in which the retail offering operates within."

The Report prepared by Roger Tym & Partners and commissioned by Ilex and DSD has recommended an initial programme of action under the following 5 key areas.

• Strengthened Planning Focus on City Centre
• City Centre Expansion
• Improved Integration
• Co-ordinated and Dynamic Marketing
• A City Centre Framework for Business Agency Co-ordination

Sinead McLaughlin continued "Our members tell us how difficult trading has been in recent months and the increase of VAT in the New Year will add even greater burdens on this already struggling sector. Our City Centre streets are a testament to the difficulties of this sector, with increasing numbers of vacant premises.  It is particularly difficult for our independent retailers, especially those trading in secondary retail locations.

However, it is with optimism I say our centre is without doubt the jewel in Derry's Crown.  It is not only our precious tourism product but it could be and should be a "destination retail shopping centre" that compliments our ancient walls and encapsulates an unique leisure experience that expands the "brand Derry" offering for all shoppers. 

In 2013, Derry will become the first UK City of Culture, we will be welcoming many visitors to our home town and we want to make each visit special. The shareholders of this city need now to sit down and work with this Strategy to develop a Business and Action Plan that will make considered and co-ordinated improvements in our existing and future offering.  Derry City Council, Ilex and Government departments will be the lead agencies in delivering on the City's Retail Strategy but the Private Sector has a major role to play in contributing their commercial expertise.  The Chamber warmly welcomes the proposals to set up a strengthened City Centre Partnership with increased involvement of the Retail Sector. This strategy is just the beginning, all of us with a vested interest in our City Centre need to stop the talking, roll up our sleeves and get our house in order - the visitors are coming.

 Well Done to All of Us

"Great news for the City that Derry~Londonderry has been named UK City of Culture 2013 brings with it a great sense of pride that each citizen of this historic city should savour and enjoy", said Chamber President, Jim Sammon.  "Our time has come and this platform will give us the opportunity to broadcast the talent of our people and the beauty of our place. This is a time to celebrate, to create and to attract and captivate visitors and investors.  The challenge now is to do Northern Ireland proud and to take advantage of the win to create a positive and lasting legacy for the region. We've got history and we should be proud of our history - in the past we've been prisoners of our history, following the bloody Sunday announcement and now the announcement of the City of Culture we can now look forward to brand new brighter days to share with the young people of this region - who are our future."

Chief Executive, Sinead McLaughlin echoed the comments made by the President, she said "Derry~Londonderry promoted itself with the slogan "Just say YES".  Well YES it is, and on behalf of the Chamber, I want to congratulate the bid team who worked hard and long hours and the effort has definitely paid off" She continued. "There was a great sense that the whole city was involved in the bid and behind the bid.  The title will bring more tourists, increase investment and create jobs, as well as boost the profile of Derry.  This Chamber looks forward to playing its part in developing and delivering a programme of events that will put our City on the centre stage and ultimately build a lasting legacy for this city.

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes the recognition given to their Vice President, Padraig Canavan, in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.  Padraig was awarded an OBE in recognition of his contribution to Business in Northern Ireland.

Jim Sammon, President of the Chamber in Derry, said on behalf of the Chamber that he congratulated Padraig on receiving this honour.  "It is very well deserved and from working closely with Padraig in the Chamber for a number of years I can wholeheartedly endorse this award.  Padraig has demonstrated time and time again that he is a fantastic ambassador and leader for the North West, he has made a tremendous contribution to our Chamber and to the entire business and economic life of Derry". 

Padraig established Singularity in 1994, when the operation was at the leading age of technology - and it still is.  Padraig and his team have continued to be innovative and developed the company into a multi-million dollar business with operations in London, New York, Singapore, Hyderabad India and Belfast, as well as Derry.

Sinead McLaughlin, CE of the Chamber said "Padraig's commitment to Northern Ireland is to be admired; he has chosen Derry to be the headquarters of his global company.  This has not always been the easiest solution, but Padraig's heart and passion lies in his home and he has overcome many obstacles in order for his business to remain a world leader and to continue to be based in Northern Ireland.

"I admire Padraig's insightful, thoughtful and quiet determination to get things done and to do the right things - this award recognises all those essential ingredients that make him a great role model for many of our young people.

"Well done Padraig - it is well deserved."

Representatives of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce have called on Northern Ireland MLAs and MPs to persuade the new government to maintain the block grant to Northern Ireland and to reduce corporation tax here.

Speaking from the Chamber of Commerce, President  Jim Sammon said:

"The new Conservative/Liberal Government in the UK has an opportunity to support social and economic growth in Northern Ireland.   While there is no doubt that Government intends to reduce spending, there is a special case for continued support for Northern Ireland.  Reduction of public spending here at this time would undermine the work that has been done in recent years to build our economy and reinforce the peace process and social progress here.  It is very important that our elected representatives in Stormont and Westminister persuade Government to support our economic and social development in Northern Ireland - and, given our history, ensure that Government makes a special case for Northern Ireland when it comes to funding. We have the potential for sustained economic growth and performance - but we are coming from behind and we need continued support to make that happen."

Chief Executive, Sinead McLaughlin, also emphasised

"The global economy is returning to growth - it is very important that at this critical time nothing is done to undermine the economy of Northern Ireland. There is an opportunity for the Westminster Government to reduce corporation tax in Northern Ireland to the level of the Republic of Ireland.  Such a decision would create a level playing field of investment on the island of Ireland and encourage new investment in Northern Ireland by companies in high value added industry.  There would, no doubt, be a great return as regards reduced unemployment and higher productivity.  The conservatives have already signalled their intention to do this.  I would expect public representatives from Northern Ireland to make a strong case for implementation of such a policy."

For further information contact Sinead McLaughlin on 02871262379

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has called on the devolved administration to fast track investment in our physical and educational infrastructure, particularly increasing the student numbers at Magee.  The call was made at the Chamber's AGM in the city at the weekend. 

"We need to increase our employment rates, address economic inactivity, develop a more diverse sustainable economy, grow more productive companies requiring higher skills, and to achieve all this we need to create a better skilled workforce," chief executive officer Sinead McLaughlin told the meeting.   

Chamber President, Jim Sammon said the priorities for 2010 would be to continue pushing for infrastructural investment, to support regeneration initiatives and in particular to support the City of Culture bid.  

Mr Sammon also said that the chamber's staff and board played a vital role to members "by providing an efficient, customer oriented structure and service, offering value added members benefits, and being response to the constantly changing needs of local businesses. "

Congratulations to Chamber Member HMD Architects on their recent success of being part of the Bovis Lend Lease award of the £115m Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus in Omagh under the NI Schools Modernisation Programme.  This is a milestone project for education under the Revised NI Curriculum.  The Campus model will address issues of sustainability and the shared planning of capital provision among six post primary schools in the Omagh area.

This continues on from their current involvement in a number of other educational projects throughout the province, namely the £25m Review of Primary School provision in the Dioceses of Derry, Dromore, Down and Connor, the Holywood Schools Project; the £15m St Columbanus College, Bangor and the £3.5m Slemish College Sports Academy, Ballymena.  Completed projects of ours have included Magh Ene College, Bundoran, Ballymacricket Primary School, Glenavy, Creggan Primary School, Randalstown, Moorfields Primary School, Ballymena and School of Music, Queens University, Belfast.

Jim Sammon is delighted to announce that Sinead McLaughlin is Chamber's new Chief Executive. Sinead is the former Business Operations Manager of this Chamber and has been Acting CE since 8 February.  Sinead brings great energy and talent to the Chamber and I have no doubt that with her input as CE that the Chamber will grow and flourish in the years ahead.

Sinead is very commercially focused and her key priority is to represent our members' best interests.  She is extremely experienced in the provision of valuable services to our powerful business network.  Sinead is approachable and wants to engage with members at every opportunity so if you have any ideas or thoughts to offer her she will be more than happy to listen.

There are many challenges ahead but with a strong Board, strong CE and strong proactive Members we can make a positive impact for all the businesses in the region.  Wishing you all a very a happy Easter and hopefully some better weather also.

Times are tough, marketing budgets have been slashed but all of us in business are trying to get cost effective ways of communicating with our client base.

Derry Chamber of Commerce have looked at ways that they can utilise the vast array of digital software in order to reach a wider business audience.  Using the expertise of Zoo Creative, one of our Member Companies, we have for the first time got a commercially effective website.  We have a Picture Gallery that is updated after each event as well as up to date news and responses section together with a comprehensive events calendar and this is all on our home page.   Members have now the opportunity to book events and pay online making it much more user friendly.

Acting CEO, Sinead McLaughlin said "We have also just this month launched Chamber TV News.  This TV news service is also on our website and will broadcast news to our members each month through the new medium of our own online TV news station. This online station provides the Chamber with another potentially viable channel to get messaging out to key audiences.  We believe that Derry Chamber's TV News, provided by Lifeonmedia, provides a deeper and more immersive experience for our web visitors"

In today's technology driven economy it stands to reason that visitors to our website will click on a video before they read text based press releases. We have also found that our visitors are staying longer on our website.  I would encourage all businesses to look at their websites and evaluate if they are paying their way.  It might be worth investing in a Makeover.

Business and community leaders in Derry will be urged today to strengthen their  support for the city's bid for UK Capital of Culture, at a special lunch being held by the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Derry City Council and urban regeneration company Ilex. 

The message going out is that people need to step forward and act as "champions" for their city and its wealth of creative and artistic talent.   The lunch is being addressed by special guests, including US Economic Envoy to NI, Declan Kelly, who says many people across the North West "were at the forefront of showcasing Northern Ireland's economic viability to the United States. "

"Creative initiatives like the City of Culture bid will complement these continued inward investment efforts and I applaud the work of local political leaders, ILEX, and those in the private sector", says Mr Kelly. Together you are demonstrating to business decision makers abroad that the region you represent is open for business".

"We very much appreciate the support of Declan Kelly and our politicians as we prepare to submit the final bid in May", said Mayor Paul Fleming.  "Our ambition is to create a step change for the city and achieving this accolade will create many platforms for showcasing local and international talent while encouraging creativity in our everyday lives, in our communities, with business and in our local and international partnerships. We are confident that 2013 will be our year".

Chairman of urban regeneration company Ilex, Sir Roy McNulty said today's event "has brought together individuals and organisations from right across Northern Ireland and beyond who are keen to play their part to ensure we win this accolade. City of Culture 2013 is about ambition; it's about confidence in ourselves and raising our game. Ultimately, it would help us present a more positive profile of the city and region internationally, and significantly enhance the city's regeneration plans'".

Chamber President Jim Sammon said winning the bid would be of immense economic value to the city and to all of Northern Ireland.  "Cork had a 38% increase in visitor numbers, which generated £322m to the local economy, and Liverpool saw business rise by 10%. So everyone must pull together now to ensure that we win."

The President of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce says that having a local Minister for Policing and Justice "could create a deeper acceptance that laws to protect people are our laws - they are not imposed from afar.  That has the potential to create a new attitude and culture towards crime," said Mr Jim Sammon, who was speaking on the occasion of the Chamber's first visit today from PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott.  

"We encourage the political parties to seize the opportunity now to build a world class Policing and Justice Ministry.  Policing and Justice are integral to creating a healthy social and economic environment. Our local economy needs business and healthy businesses depend on healthy communities," he added.  .

Mr Sammon told the Chief Constable that the Chamber "supports you and your officers in delivering good and effective policing.  The PSNI has made radical changes.  We know that the service will continue to evolve and improve. "

Chief Constable Matt Baggott, visiting the City at the invitation of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce addressed an audience of over 100 key business leaders and said, "the current financial situation is one that affects us all, be it in the private or public sector.   However, the challenges faced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland provide us with an opportunity to re-prioritise what we are aiming to achieve as a service, with a focus upon what matters to local communities, issues of serious harm and a relentless pursuit of value for money in everything we do.  This will, of course, involve building upon the legacy of Patten, but preparing for a future in a devolved environment." 

He continued, "I believe the devolution of policing and justice is a key development as we strive to deliver a personal, professional and protective policing service to the people of Northern Ireland.  This agreement will provide us with the increased financial assistance required to plan for the future and will better enable us to move forward  with certainty as an organisation."

The sponsors of the business lunch were Grafton ESP, the HR specialist division of the Grafton Employment Group.  They said they were "delighted to be involved as a partner with the PSNI and the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce at this prestigious event during what is a ground breaking moment in Northern Ireland politics".

Speaking after the event, the Chamber President said the lunch "had a distinctly business and private sector focus and it was clear that guests appreciated the honest and transparent insight into the business of policing."

The Chamber Board and Members raised questions regarding a number of issues pertaining to tourism.  Mary Blake, the Tourism Officer in DCC, has furnished the Board with a written report answering all the questions raised please see link below.

Tourism Strategy

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce have regretfully informed their members and stakeholders that after 13 years with the organisation, CEO Janice Tracey is to step down.  President Jim Sammon in a statement to the press said, "We are very sorry to have received Janice's resignation.

Janice has been with the Chamber almost 13 years and has been a key driver in the success of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. Our Chamber is respected far and wide for best practice and this is due in no small measure to the talent and application of Janice Tracey.

During her time as CEO, Janice has been the 'Voice of Business' in the North West representing the interests of the City Region with Government Departments and global businesses at home and abroad. She led the organisation through a remarkable period of growth and together with her team she has enhanced the quality and range of services available to Members. Janice was awarded the OBE, in the New Years Honours list 2007 for services to the Economy and Education. 

We will miss Janice and wish her every success in the future"

Derry Can deliver World Class Solutions ......

Mr Jim Sammon, President of the Londonderry Chamber, warmly welcomes the announcement of 85 additional Jobs in Seagate's Springtown Plant.

"We are particularly pleased that this £60M investment is part of Springtown's plan to develop research and technology within the city.  Seagate has demonstrated time and time again their commitment to this region, to not only the economy but to their valued employees. Seagate have always been innovative and they are to the forefront of driving technological & digital solutions for their global business.  This Chamber champions their investment and looks forward to contributing to the development of further research & development posts within the Digital Sector.  There is no reason that Derry can not be a recognised centre of Digital Excellence in Ireland, when global companies such as Seagate have demonstrated their belief in this regions ability to deliver world class solutions."

Speaking at the launch of the construction phase of the new Peace Bridge in Derry, Janice Tracey says that the bridge is the sign that the tide has turned.

"Together with the ongoing work that will transform our public space in the Guildhall Square and surrounding area, our members are looking forward to operating in an environment that is more fit for purpose than they have been used to."

"For our members this will be seen as the first physical manifestation of the regeneration of our city that we have talked about for far too long. The actual construction process will give hope to a business community that has faced a very challenging 18 months and have had just this week learnt of more job losses at Artnz Belting and Raytheon."read more >

At a meeting in the City today, Chamber CEO Janice Tracey assured Minister Reg Empey that there was a wide body of local support for the key aspects of the U4D campaign to have an enhanced University presence in the city. She said that this could best be achieved by building on the excellence and expertise that currently exists in Magee Campus but that significant expansion was necessary.

Speaking earlier to the BBC, Ms Tracey pointed out that such expansion would act as a necessary driver for the economic regeneration of the city and stressed that expansion of HE provision at the University of Ulster in Derry would ensure that Derry and the NW play an active role in the economy of Northern Ireland. A strong Northern Ireland needs a strong NW.

A delegation from The North West Chamber of Commerce Initiative met with the Regional Development Minister, Mr Conor Murphy, to receive his Departmental up date on the progress of a number of major infrastructural issues currently in progress throughout the Region.  Representatives from Derry, Letterkenny, Omagh and Strabane were heartened to hear an upbeat Minister assuring us that the NW Region was high on his agenda. 

Ian Crowe, told the Minister "the NW business leaders want to contribute fully to the economic development of Northern Ireland in every way that they can.  The people of the region are innovative, creative and entrepreneurial, however the connectivity to the region is still exceptionally poor and until the completion on both the A6 and A5 road schemes the NW has the added peripheral hurdle when trying to attract Foreign Direct Investment."read more >

We had our last networking event of the year this morning and it was a fabulous event. We had input from 2 very different speakers, John Rice from JamMedia and Siobhan McAleer from The Mortgage Shop. The speakers role was to stimulate conversation and ideas and faciliatate networking and they did all that and more.

Siobhan's input showed us very clearly how a vulnerability can be a strength if matched with steely determination. She stressed the importance of our Business Allies when times are tough and urged us to break long term relationships with extreme caution. When talking about leadership she said that it is incumbant on all leaders to paint a picture where the sun will shine again, to have our feet firmly on the ground but look up, up, up.

John Rice gave us all a good laugh by playing some of his award winning and contract bearing video and cartoon clips. He talked about his early beginnings and tracks his success right back to getting very bad leaving cert results. How often have we heard the story of successful businesses starting from positions of adversity?read more >

Chamber President Jim Sammon has welcomed the announcement of the major expansion of Foyleside. "Foyleside is a real jewel in our crown and a very important element of our retail offering. To have such a gem in the heart of our city centre has been a real asset and I know has boosted trade for the surrounding shops and not just those in the centre. This investment will reinforce the city centre offering and underpin the competitiveness and attractiveness of Derry at the heart of a successful region. Such significant expansion plans at a time when we have seen little development will bring a real boost to the construction industry and provide much needed jobs in a wide range of sectors."

Jim also commented on the added value that such a significant building project could provide. "Such an extensive project, with a price tag of £100 million, has the potential to make a real difference, both in developing a design package that enhances our environment and also in the provision of training opportunities for our local labour force through targeted apprenticeship schemes. Together with the new iconic peace bridge, this construction project could really transform our waterfront"

Ends for further information please contact Helena Kearney on 028 71 262379

The US Economic Envoy Declan Kelly was on a whirlwind visit to the NW and found time to meet with members of Derry's Chamber of Commerce. 

Jim Sammon, Chamber President said, "Given that the entire focus for the new envoy is the economy, it is fitting that Mr Kelly meets as many business leaders as possible.  Given Derry's long association and close links with a number of key US cities, we will be keen to discuss our plans for the city and to make sure when he is shining a light on Northern Ireland's assets, that this city and region is in the spotlight."
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Chamber member, Trish Hegarty, received a special award in Dublin at the weekend in recognition of her role as first woman president of the Union of Students in Ireland in 1986. Trish, who is director of Inis Communications PR and Media Consultancy, said she was honoured to meet President Mary McAleese at the 50^th Anniversary of USI event and that she was delighted to receive the award.

"It was a fantastic evening and it was great to see so many old faces from my years in USI."  Former USI officers who also attended include RTE's Joe Duffy and Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore.
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President Mary McAleese is to make a special award to Chamber member Trish Hegarty, of Inis Communications, at a special event in Dublin tomorrow evening, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Union of Students of Ireland (USI). Trish was the first woman to become President of USI in 1988.

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People and Place are what really matter most and what puts Derry at the top of the Christmas list.

Derry is the principal retail centre in the North West of Ireland and the retail capacity of the city has been boosted in recent years by the doubling of retail floor space. Locally based independent retailers, accounting for some 68% of the retailing sector, significantly complement an expanding range of both UK and Irish major high-street stores. To complement the retail experience, Derry's service industries also offer an added value s a hotbed of creative activity. The city hosts numerous theatres, museums and galleries offering the shopper a choice of creative and artistic activities.
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John Spangler received a top accolade from the Chamber of Commerce CEO Janice Tracey at their 52nd Annual Dinner.  Named as the Chamber’s Person of the Year, John received a standing ovation when accepting his award.

The Dinner was attended by almost 300 Chamber Members and Guests.  Guests included Ministers from North and South, Senior Government Officials, MPs, MLA’s, and all the local stakeholders.

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Youth and Education are the two main themes of the Chamber’s 52nd Annual Dinner.  The key event in the business calendar for the North West, the Chamber Dinner is renowned for its high level guests, challenging speeches and all round good night’s entertainment.  

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Member comments on Jenni Timony, speaker at the Chamber of Commerce's first Motivational Business Lunch Series held last week. This Series, in partnership with Derry City Council, aims to provide support to our business community in these challenging times.

The Motivational Business Lunch Series is organized by Chamber of Commerce and aims to create an environment where speakers will share their own experiences in a realistic and honest address. These events will also provide a network for our members and non-members with likeminded people.

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Inspiring and motivating were the comments from Chamber of Commerce members at the first of their Business Lunch Series held on last Thursday at The Waterfoot.read more >

The Chamber of Commerce Team finished the Tesco's Half Marthon on Saturday, September 12 and raised in excess of £800 for The Foyle Hospice.read more >

"It is Council's job to lead in marketing the city and region to Foreign Direct Investment, and this seminar is a good early step", said Chamber Vice President Padraig Canavan, following a seminar with telecoms giants Hibernia Atlantic.
Padriag promised that Chamber will assist Council in this critical job of work but that as the local authority they have the right kind of mandate to lead.read more >