History

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce is based at 16 Bishop Street in the heart of Derry city centre, inside the historic City Walls.

Driven by the vision and dynamism of the leading lights of the local business community, the list of past presidents of the Chamber contains many names that are icons of the commercial sector in the region.

Derry’s strategic position as an Atlantic port means it has a long history as a key trading location and this was central to its commercial development, particularly as a destination for textile imports from North America.

By the mid-1700s the merchants of Derry were prospering and the port was home to over 65 ships. Through the 19th century shirt making boomed in Derry and this continued to be the main industry in the city until the second half of the 20th century.

Even during the toughest periods in the City’s at times turbulent history the Chamber has worked tirelessly to promote Derry as a business location and develop the infrastructure required to consolidate the city’s status as the North West’s commercial hub.

Now as Londonderry tells its new story as a culturally vibrant location with a thriving technology sector the Chamber continues its ceaseless work to champion the city’s commercial interests.