Calling Derry’s London Diaspora

Portcullis House in Westminster was the prestigious venue for the Derry's third business networking event staged in London by London~Derry Connections Ltd, the local group created to improve the economy of the city of Derry and the North West of Ireland, by building on the business and historic connection between the cities of Derry and London, a connection that dates back 400 years.

40 people - mostly from the Irish business diaspora in London - attended the event held in the Attlee Suite of Portcullis House, thanks to the good offices of Mark Durkan MP.

Ex-pats from elsewhere in the North West, including, Limavady, Coleraine, Tyrone and Donegal also accepted invitations to the event which was introduced by Joe Doherty.

The gathering heard a presentation on ‘Destination Derry and the North West' from Karen Houlahan, Business Development Manager of the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau (DVCB), followed by a warm address from Mark Durkan himself, who spoke about the context of Derry in its relationship with the city of London in the past, present and in its exciting future, built around improving political and community relations and dedicated to creating more business and jobs for the North West.

Mark Durkan closed the successful evening by giving participants a guided tour of Westminster.

People in the North West are encouraged to have London friends and relations added to the invitation list for future Receptions. Just contact Colm Cavanagh at: 07779.267289.

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Photo: Centre: Louise Cook, Invest NI; Mark Durkan MP; Joe Doherty, London~Derry Connections Ltd; and Karen Henderson, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau; with participants at the Business Reception Participants at Westminster.