The Chamber this week launched its autumn programme of events - themed on Entrepreneurship. Janice Tracey, Chamber Chief Executive, announced the theme commenting, "In today's very competitive markets, where there are really very few new ideas, it is the company which differentiates itself by focusing on providing the best products and the very best service that survives. Entrepreneurs aren't afraid to take a chance and to be different. We want to encourage and support that necessary entrepreneurial spirit in the NW."

Ann Marie Slavin, Chamber President and awarding winner entrepreneur also attended the launch. She echoed recent comments in the press by calling for more celebration of the successes of our own local entrepreneurs, who in many cases go about the day to day business of risk, investment, product development, profit, loss, innovation, growth without much notice and who get frustrated by the constant negative feedback. She said "There is no doubt that our local economy faces massive challenges but, we have a lot going for us and if we can take some time out to celebrate that, we might turn that negativity into something that we can make work."

Brody Sweeny, founder of "O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bars" is the attraction at the Chambers Autumn Business lunch on 19th September. Brody is a well known entrepreneur and his franchise business now boasts 300 stores (one of which is in Derry) in 12 countries employing over 3000 people.

The Jewel in the Crown of the NW's business Calendar is the Chamber's Annual Dinner. A ticket to this event guarantees you a great event with the who's who in business in Northern Ireland. "This year's event will be a celebration of our home grown entrepreneurs, all Chamber members of course, a look back at the impact they've made on the economy and what we hope to see from them in the year to come", said the Chamber President.

Ann Marie continued, "This will be a precursor to our Annual Conference which will explore the theme of Entrepreneurship in more detail." The Chamber's Annual Conference, on 23rd November will follow Invest Northern Ireland's Enterprise week which will see a week long roll out of a wide variety of business focused events across Northern Ireland. The Chamber's conference entitled, "Entrepreneurship - the Engine of the Economy" has attracted a wide range of speakers. Aidan Heavey of Tullow Oil, the 2005 Irish Entrepreuneur of the Year, Strabane man Pete Boyle founder of the Argento franchise and Patrick McGonagle, well known local innovator, will lead the audience through the minefield of being an entrepreneur. Chamber CEO, Janice Tracey says, "We want to celebrate our successful entrepreneurs, support those finding the going a bit tough and encourage others who might be thinking of heading in that direction. Our partners for the conference, Derry City Council, Invest NI and PWC will all bring a level of expertise to the event as well. Their support is recognition in itself of how importance the entrepreneur is to the economy."

Ms Tracey continued, "The conference will also recognise the importance of the 'social entrepreneur'. Our local economy could not have come so far without the growing entrepreneurial spirit in the local economy and the Chamber promises to have some good local and international examples of this phenomenon."

The Derry Chamber is well known for the level of support it gives to local companies. The Chamber's winter programme focused on Infrastructure, the topic for spring was Business Support and the theme for the summer programme focused on the retail sector in the city. In addition to running a series of training, information and networking events, of course the Chamber is a renowned lobbying organization. The Chamber CEO finished off the Autumn Programme Launch "Our main aim is to make sure our companies have the optimum operating environment in which to do business."

For further information contact Michelle Brace at 02871262379 michelle@londonderrychamber.co.uk