Welcome to the Chamber

CONNECTED is highlighting some of the Chamber’s newest members. Let us introduce you to the wider range of members that the Londonderry Chamber represents across the North West. Will your business be featured in the next edition?

#GrowingBusinessNW

Welcome to new member Belmont Strategy. Belmont Strategy is a specialist communications and public affairs consultancy that operates exclusively in the clean energy, planning and infrastructure sectors.

Welcome to new member Wild Atlantic Distillery - an awardwinning Gin, Vodka and Whiskey Distillery based in Co Tyrone and draws its inspiration from Ireland’s stunning coastline and the Wild Atlantic Way. The distillery is located on the outskirts of Aghyaran – close to the Sperrin Mountains – and only 15 miles from Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way. As lovers of traditionally crafted spirits and history, they are all about maintaining the long history of independent, traditional and craft distilleries that Ireland and particularly Co Tyrone has to offer. Welcome to new member Lee Kennedy Planning. A chartered planning and development consultancy practice working throughout the whole of the United Kingdom & Ireland. Full members of the RTPI, NAPE & TPCA.

The Practice was established in 2015 but the Principal Planner has over 20 years experience in planning consultancy working on the biggest and smallest of both private and public development projects. Previously, he worked for one of NI’s largest independent consultancy firms 15 years. I left in 2015 to establish my own independent planning consultancy firm. All clients are provided with a full professional personal service no matter how big or small their project. I’ve obtained a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge across all sectors of planning, both urban and rural, having a specialised knowledge of planning enforcement. My work entails carrying out planning appraisals, applications, appeals, inquiries, concept statements, environmental, retail impact assessments, general planning, development advice and due-diligence. I combine my expertise with a dynamic fresh approach tailored to each specific project with a focus on delivering successful results for my clients. This success is evident in the growth of my business and the repeat instructions from existing clients Welcome to new member Toast Accountants. Toast Accountants are a totally online accountancy practice that is committed to providing exceptional, cost efficient accountancy & taxation services with the implementation of cloud accounting software.

How does your membership

benefit you? With air cool engineering NI Managing Director, Martin Mullan

It is safe to say that this year has not turned out how many of us expected. Like others in January, we felt a strong sense of hope and optimism that the worst of the pandemic was behind us. The first half of this year, however, was characterised by a lockdown which posed economic turmoil to local businesses. Since then, the strong vaccine uptake, continued easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and the growing business confidence, has offered real hope and expectation that we are moving forward.

Based in Limavady, air cool engineering NI designs, installs and maintains heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems across Northern Ireland and the Republic. Our clients include high street stores, business offices, independent retailers, gyms, restaurants, and bars. As an essential maintenance contractor, we were very fortunate that we continued to operate through the initial lockdown restrictions. However, this year’s lockdown, coupled with the unexpected closure of non-essential construction in the Republic of Ireland and the end of the Brexit transition period, brought new challenges to our business.

In our 23 years, we have consistently delivered high-quality installation and after-sales services to clients large and small. Our 30-strong team works with multiple business sectors to support architects, property managers and construction companies in the design, installation, and maintenance of energy efficient HVAC systems. For over 20 years we have been proud to work with clients across the North West and beyond. From the early days of the pandemic, the importance of working locally has been put under the spotlight. Even after 23 years in business, and with clients across the country, we recognised the need to raise our profile in the North West. The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce provided us with the right platforms to enhance the visibility, reputation, and capabilities of our business.

Since joining the Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, we can only describe our experience as exceptional. The Chamber has consistently helped to raise air cool engineering NI’s profile, giving us access to key decision-makers and leaders in the North West business community. From CONNECTED, to ezines, events, member news, web banner advertising, and even the annual wall-planner, the Chamber offers cost-effective marketing communication opportunities for members year-round. Being a Chamber member means being a part of a community. From monthly webinars to the WhatsApp group, the support network around us ensures we never miss an opportunity to improve or invest in our business. The Chamber’s Growth North West events programme especially has meant that we have began to consider the international growth opportunities the City Deal will present.

Although we are so remote from the centres of power in Stormont and Westminster, we know that the Chamber will continue to champion the voice of the North West’s diverse business community. The last 20 months have been a real struggle for us all, but with the Chamber’s support, we are confident that we will emerge even stronger from the pandemic.