Redmayne Bentley Stockbrokers are launching a new stock picking competition on the Redmayne-Bentley Stockbrokers LLP website.

Entrants must pick ten FTSE 100 stocks that they think will be the best performers between 2nd August and 10th September 2010 ~ based upon the average percentage increase.

The competition 'Crop of the Stocks' is available for you to view and enter at:
www.redmayne.co.uk/crop/Belfast

The competition is now live

The prize is £1000 to invest in shares with Redmayne-Bentley.

This is a great opportunity for you to try your Stock picking skills and get to know Redmayne Bentley Stockbrokers better.

(July 27th, 2010 - Derry, N. Ireland) A new event announced this week is set to attract dozens of top developers and technology companies to the North-West to showcase their latest, innovative projects.

The free, one-day conference entitled SHOWCASE, is designed as a platform for some of the hottest talent in the fields of cloud, mobile and web applications to demonstrate or launch new projects that they've been working on. All in front of an audience of 150 peers, industry professionals and potential customers.

As organiser, Mark Nagurski, explained: "For companies with something to show off, SHOWCASE is a perfect opportunity to do just that in front of an influential crowd - and if you're involved in the technology industry and are keen to keep 'in the loop', this event is unmissable."

"Even if you're not directly involved in the technology industry, we've got companies working in everything from the arts and creative industries to retail and medicine. If you want to know how you can use the latest ideas in mobile applications or the web in your business, this is your chance. The fact that Derry City Council, the University of Ulster, Invest Northern Ireland, the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and NORIBIC are all supporting this event is testament to just how beneficial something like this can be." he continued.

Lyra McKee, co-founder of NewsRupt, one of the companies that will be launching a product at SHOWCASE, added: "Events like SHOWCASE are critical to the success of start ups like NewsRupt. In a young company where marketing budgets are tight, events like this present the perfect opportunity for us to get out and spread the word. Very few people know what NewsRupt is right now but after the conference, everyone will be talking about it. That kind of viral marketing is priceless."

SHOWCASE takes place at the Magee campus of the University of Ulster between 9am and 5:30pm on Thursday, September 16th. It's completely free but places are limited so anyone interested in attending is invited to register their place by visiting www.showcaseconf.com

Members of a Derry -based project for people with learning disabilities have taken their campaign to reach the 2010 finals of the National Lottery Awards to social networking site Facebook. The Destined group is urging the local public to weigh in with thousands of votes as they battle with nine other groups to win the "Best Health Project" category with their project 'Access to Citizenship' . This is an innovative project that is delivered in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the North West Regional College and Mencap. Now the campaign has gone online to reach a self set target of 10,000 public votes. The Destined Facebook page now has over 100 group members after it was set up on Friday. Volunteers are encouraging Facebook users to urge their online friends to vote for the organisation.

Founded in 2002, Destined has established itself in Great James Street as a pivotal service for people for people with learning disabilities and operates a seven day service from its Drop-In centre offering a range of programmes including Health & Fitness, Arts, Education and Social activities.

The 'Access to Citizenship' project has the opportunity to win £2000 by winning the final of its category and will be invited to take part in an star studded  Awards ceremony in London to be screened on a BBC1 on prime time TV on a Saturday night.

Destined founder Dermot O'Hara is urging the Derry public to vote the group through to the finals in London. "The fact that the Access to Citizenship project has made it this far is a testament to the worthwhile work it does for people who otherwise would feel isolated and left behind by society. Destined exists to empower people with learning disabilities and recognition from the National Lottery Awards shows the value of this project. We know that the people of Derry and their enthusiasm will take us through to the finals and we are appealing for all the help we can get from schools, businesses, organisations and the general public. We see Facebook as a major part of getting the votes needed.

Michael Cole, a member of Destined said "We 're going to put a massive effort into this and we are asking people to support us by phone, online and on Facebook to take us to the finals in London. Voting closes on the 18^th June, so we need people to rally now."

To join the Destined Facebook group simply search Destined under groups on your page, join and vote. Or log onto www.destined.ie and click on the Facebook link there. To register you vote for the Access to Citizenship by phone call 08446861992.

For further information on Destineds bid contact Dermot O'Hara: 02871362424.

Translink Ulsterbus are planning changes to Ulsterbus Foyle City Services from September 2010.

These changes are in line with the on going development and regeneration of the City with improved connections to make education, health and leisure outlets more accessible for all.

Key Changes are:

- New quality bus corridor from Pennyburn to Altnagalvin hospital with 10min frequency.

- Improved frequency to Derry City Airport with an hourly service 143 (to Limavady).

- Improved frequency to and from Drumahoe Park & Ride.

- 7 buses per hour from the City Centre to Altnagalvin Hospital.

- FY1 Strathfoyle - hourly service extended to Butlers Wharf.

- FY9/11 Hazelbank & Woodbrook services integrated into one hourly service.

- FY13 Sandbank/Fernabbey - hourly service.

-2010 Deloitte Fast 50 Technology Awards now open for entries

-11^th Annual Technology Awards to take place in Belfast this year

The local technology industry is being urged to use its 'home advantage' as entries open for the 2010 Deloitte Fast 50 Technology Awards, which this year will be held in Belfast's Europa Hotel on Friday 8^th October. The awards, now in their eleventh year, recognise and rank indigenous technology companies - from all over the island of Ireland- with exceptional growth in turnover over the last five years.

15 NI firms made into last year's Fast 50 including e-learning provider for the public sector Learning Pool who picked up the Rising Star award. Deloitte is calling for more companies than ever to get 'on track' and make their mark on this year's all-island Fast 50 competition.

One of Learning Pool's founding directors Mary McKenna, commented on the company's Fast 50 experience: "2009 was an exciting year for us, and winning the Deloitte Fast 50 Rising Star award was the icing on the cake. We welcome the additional profile that the prestigious award brings and as part of our growth trajectory, we're still doubling revenue year on year"

The ranking will feature both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders. Details of how to enter the awards can be found at www.fast50.ie. The closing date for entries is Friday September 3rd.

Pictured with David Crawford, Partner at Deloitte Belfast, is Mary McKenna, founding director of Learning Pool (right) and Lisa McGonigle, senior marketing executive Learning Pool (left).

As many of you know, Learning Pool's main office is located in Derry, Northern Ireland. We were delighted recently with the appointment of Councillor Colum Eastwood as the city's Mayor. Derry has always been known for being one of the oldest remaining walled cities in Europe and Mayor Eastwood is now helping the city to be known for having one of the youngest but most innovative mayors in the city's history.

Learning Pool's Modern Councillor service aims to bring to life the stories of elected members and here we chat to Mayor Eastwood about -

• His transition from Councillor to Mayor at the ripe old age of 27
• How the community of Derry have come together to support the City's bid to win the title of UK City of Culture
• His hopes for getting young people more involved in Civic Life
• And what he thinks makes a Modern Councillor

Mayor Eastwood's Interview:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9wwdfW0j5o

Learning Pool would like to wish the City of Derry all the best with their City of Culture title 2013.

Yes! It's hard to believe but a year has passed and The Waterfoot Hotel L'Derry celebrates its 1^st Birthday on Friday 2^nd July 2010! This is one event you do not want to miss! It will not only be a fantastic night of celebrations and an excellent opportunity to support the special "Joie De Vie" Gala Ball, but also an opportunity to raise funds for the local Western Trust Altnagelvin Hospital Cancer Unit as all ticket and auction proceeds will be donated to this much needed charity.

It is guaranteed to be a night to remember with amazing welcome reception including cocktails on arrival, a five course dinner and great entertainment in the form of The Martin John Swing Time Big Band and the ever popular UTV presenter Julian Simmons as our main Compere for the evening. Julian will also act as auctioneer as we auction some fantastic items donated by local businesses and customers to raise much needed funds for the Western Trust Altnagelvin Hospital's Cancer Unit. Anyone interested in donating a prize for auction to endorse your support for this charity can do so and will be featured with all sponsors on the main menu and sponsor screens throughout the evening. So call now! 

The Joie De Vie Gala evening will be an ideal opportunity for guests to show their support for the Waterfoot Hotel's chosen charity by purchasing tickets to attend. Tickets are £50 per person and are currently being sold in tables of ten at £500. This prestigious event presents an occasion to celebrate for everyone. Make this special event an opportunity to get together with family, friends, colleagues or special guests.

Tickets will be limited for this fantastic event so we urge early booking to secure your place. For more information or to book call now on 02871345500.

The UK City of Culture award would bring at least £89m in early stage investment to Derry/Londonderry.  Businesses in the city have got behind the bid and pledged major capital investment to cope with the expected upsurge in demand for hotels, cultural activities, restaurants, retail and other tourism infrastructure that would flow from Derry/Londonderry becoming UK City of Culture.

At a time when government departments in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK are under major pressure to cut regeneration spending, the award would provide a stimulus that would be of enormous importance to the construction sector and employment in the North West of Ireland.

"Our members, and investors from outside the city, have already made clear that they will commit to a massive capital investment if Derry-Londonderry becomes the City of Culture," says Sinead McLaughlin, chief executive of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.  "Promises of at least £89m of early stage capital spending would represent one of the biggest boosts to the city's economy ever.  The jobs and commercial activity created would represent the best possible news for a city that has been badly hit by the collapse of manufacturing sectors.

"Ahead of us we can see a new future for the city - one based on attracting visitors because of our unrivalled history, important urban architecture and array of cultural jewels.  If the City of Culture goes the right way - our way - it will be the start not merely of reversing the decline of our great city, but creating a major new industry, that of cultural tourism."

Jim Sammon, president of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, added: "Our city has for a long time been suffering from low levels of economic activity and high levels of poverty.  The award of the title City of Culture would be one of the foundation stones for putting this right."

Sir Roy McNulty, Chairman of Ilex Urban Regeneration Company, said: "Derry-Londonderry is a hidden gem, whose creative talent, cultural wealth and enormous historical importance have never been fully exploited.  We are determined to put this right and winning the title would create the step change the city needs to drive the regeneration process on to fast-forward."

Valerie Watts, chief executive of Derry City Council, explained: "City of Culture is potentially Derry-Londonderry's turning point.  It is the doorway of opportunity for the economic improvement for our city and its transformation .  We believe that when Derry-Londonderry wins the title, significant levels of investment from the business community and the public sector will follow.  This will result in an economic boom for the city and a big increase in local jobs.  It would fire the starting pistol for an exciting new journey towards greater prosperity and creativity."

Check out Airporter's new online reservation system. Now you can make your Airporter reservations in the same way as making your flight reservations.

Got to our home page - http://www.airporter.co.uk - and click on to Book your bus.

From there you are asked to enter your travel arrangements and then select the appropriate service time that suits your needs.

Your reservation is then processed immediately and an email is automatically sent to you with your travel details and unique booking reference.

Passengers must bring this information to check-in / board the Airporter.

Please note:

Passengers will no longer be able to buy a return ticket from the driver - they will only be able purchase a one-way fare.

If you have any comments or queries please do not hesitate to contact us online at info@airporter.co.uk or by phone on 02871269996

U4D thanks Derry City Council for support

University for Derry, the group putting forward radical plans to upgrade university provision in Derry-Londonderry through a major expansion of Magee campus, is looking forward to working in partnership with Derry City Council.

A special meeting of the full council agreed, unanimously, to support the aspirations for substantial university expansion put forward by U4D. These include an increase in student numbers at Magee to 10,000 or more; more courses that are relevant to the economy of the city, particularly in science, technology, engineering, maths and creative industries; and for Magee to expand into the city centre along the Strand Road and riverside area.

Padraig Canavan, chair of U4D, says: "We are very appreciative of Derry City Council's support. We are particularly pleased that this was achieved with all party support. We look forward to working in partnership with Derry City Council to achieve the goals that are now shared by the council and U4D.

"We are also very pleased that the council has agreed to designate Derry-Londonderry as 'a city of learning' or 'education city'. With a young population, it is surely right that our city brands itself on the potential strength of the skills and knowledge of those young people - as produced by the education system at all levels, from primary, to post-primary and on to the North West College, as well as Magee. read more >

University for Derry, the group putting forward radical plans to upgrade and expand university provision in Derry-Londonderry, has reached Westminster.

An Early Day Motion has been tabled in the House of Commons congratulating Professor David Chiddick, the eminent founding Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, on his retirement.  Professor Chiddick is advisor to the University for Derry group and has produced the vision plans for the university-led regeneration of Derry-Londonderry.read more >

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.read more >

Chamber President Jim Sammon has led a united welcome for the recently launched review of Economic Policy in Northern Ireland.

Jim Sammon said,

"I commend the Minister for establishing this review which is direct response to concerns expressed by business organizations such as ours. We welcome in particular the emphasis on Innovation and R&D. The focus on higher value added jobs for the people of Northern Ireland is entirely the right way to approach economic policy and fits very well with the emerging outcomes from the city's regeneration plans."read more >

Four leading science and technology industries in the North West have come together to invite post-primary Principals and Head of Careers to visit their premises and see first-hand how modern hi-tech industries operate.read more >

Following a meeting with representatives from Civic Regeneration Forum with DETI Officials and the approved contractor for project KELVIN, Mayor, Cllr Gerard Diver said the meeting only confirmed the city's belief that the Telehouse should be located here. read more >

The Chamber President commented today on the Council's efforts to keep the rates increase as low as possible, culminating in the striking of a district rates increase of 5.59% for non domestic and 5.58 for domestic.read more >