president’s message

Welcome to all our members and thank you to everyone who has contributed to this edition of CONNECTED.

This is my first edition of CONNECTED as President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. The first half of 2022 has been a turbulent one for many of our local businesses. Whilst the pandemic is behind us, inflationary pressures and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has sent the economy into a tailspin, with prices continually on the rise.

However, I have been heartened by the persistent resilience of our local traders and business leaders. Even while facing skyrocketing energy costs and staffing difficulties, 3 in 4 businesses here are optimistic that this year will see growth for their business, according to our recent survey. And while much more needs to be done by both Stormont and Westminster in support of our local economy, we have amongst us the skills, expertise, and vision to succeed.

This year has already seen a significant change in our political landscape. May’s Assembly election saw 90 MLAs elected, but as of now, unable to get to work. As your Chamber President, I have been loud and clear, the absence of a functioning Executive is simply unacceptable for business and society. The most vulnerable will suffer, those on hospital waiting lists will wait even longer, and investment opportunities are sure to be missed. We simply cannot afford to leave Stormont empty for one day longer. Despite significant challenges, we know that the future of the North West economy is bright. But key regional commitments, like the expansion of Ulster University Magee and the completion of the A5, can no longer be characterised by dither, delay, and false dawns. City Deal projects are beginning to take shape, and we must grasp this immense economic opportunity with both hands. People here voted for delivery and political leadership. Anything less is a dereliction of duty. One major cause for optimism this year has been the full return of in-person events. I was delighted to speak at the President’s Lunch in March where we heard a virtual address from Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney TD, unable to visit Derry due to the war in Ukraine. This was a very special occasion, and along with the recent North West Business Awards, illustrated all that is good about doing business in our part of the world. Looking forward, I am hugely optimistic about the future of our local economy. Tourism is starting to reach pre-pandemic levels, spurred on by the likes of the Derry Jazz Festival and the hotly anticipated Clipper Race and Foyle Maritime Festival, taking place this summer. Cross-border trade is surging, with the North West beginning to take full advantage of our unique access to both EU and UK markets. All in all, despite current issues, we are firmly on an upward trajectory. This edition of CONNECTED is jampacked full of inspiring stories from across our business community. From expanding start-ups, to diversifying workforces, to award wins, I would like to congratulate each company on their fantastic work undertaken across our business community. The road out of the pandemic has been long and arduous, and I commend you all on the hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial zeal you have shown. May you and your business go from strength to strength in the months ahead.

Aidan O’Kane

President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

Andrea McGill joins familiar faces at McCay Solicitors

For most of us, our cousins are our earliest friendships. For Gareth McCay, Aaron Mullen and Andrea McGill, that bond has carried its way through their careers and has now brought them back together at McCay Solicitors. Andrea joined the practice in March as an Associate Solicitor in its Probate & Property department, with Aaron having joined McCay as an Associate Solicitor in the Employment Law & Litigation department in 2018. Gareth founded the firm in 2015 and it has grown to a team of ten across three branches in Derry, Strabane and Omagh. The company was recently listed in the Top 40 law firms in Northern Ireland by the Belfast Telegraph. “It is fantastic to have Andrea join the firm. She has the qualities that we look for. Diligent, ambitious, and with a fantastic reputation over the past few years”, says Gareth. “While we recruited Andrea for her ability, not her genealogy, it does feel like a natural fit as she, Aaron and I are from the same family. I have always kept an eye on Andrea’s career and had always hoped that our firm would grow to the point that we could bring her on board, when the opportunity arose, I was delighted that she accepted”, he explains. Andrea is looking forward to her new challenge. “When Gareth told me that he had a role that he thought I would be perfect for, it was just too good an opportunity to turn down. I feel that if our grandparents were still with us that they would be very proud to see us working together here in Strabane”, she says. McCay Solicitors has grown from a niche employment law firm to practice commercial law, litigation, medical negligence, property, and probate now also. If you wish to discuss any of these issues with a member of the team, please call them on 02871 877107 or visit

www.mccaysolicitors.co.uk

Charity and social enterprise HURT celebrate 21st birthday

HURT (Have Your Tomorrows) is a community-based addiction treatment and education charity based in the city. When current coordinator Sadie O’Reilly’s only son Tony died as a result of a drug overdose, she set up the service to address the deficit in support for families and individuals impacted by addiction in the North West.

“We are a family support organisation helping individuals affected by substance misuse”, Sadie explains, “all of our services are free of charge.” Individuals accessing the charity’s support has increased by 20% to over 330 per year, primary because of mental health issues exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown and the associated isolation.

Having just employed a Business Development and Social Enterprise Manager, HURT is on the cusp of taking their charity to the next level. “We now feel like we have the strong internal infrastructure to boost our charity’s reach and help more people in need”, Sadie says. New resources that the charity will seek to develop include a preventative strategy focused on primary and post-primary schools, awareness campaigns, and further development of their support services. The charity has recently developed its social enterprise offer and, through their corporate training campaigns, work closely with the business community to ensure their employees are supported. Their services are also available to those in the third sector, teachers, and parents. Celebrating 21 years in operation, Sadie and the team are determined to continue to support their local community and beyond in the years to come. To find out more about the charity, visit: www.hurtni.org.uk.

Sadie O’Reilly established the charity following the death of her son Tony

Children in Crossfire’s corporate partnerships offering inspiration and motivation to workforces

North West-based international development charity Children in Crossfire have been supporting some of the most vulnerable children in the world since their foundation in 1996. Today, they deliver life-changing early years’ education and life-saving health programmes in Tanzania and Ethiopia. The charity’s origins can be traced back to a dark day during the Troubles. On May 4, 1972, ten-year-old Richard Moore was shot and blinded by a British soldier’s rubber bullet as he walked home from school in Creggan. Thanks to the deep love and support of his family and community, Richard grew up with no bitterness.

Through Children in Crossfire, hundreds of thousands of young lives have been positively impacted over the last 25 years. Like Richard, the charity dedicates itself to ensuring other children caught in the crossfire of injustice and poverty would have opportunities to fulfil their potential.

The charity have worked with several local companies including Learning Pool

If you would like to explore a corporate partnership with Children in Crossfire – big or small – please contact Aishling Cunningham on 028 7126 9898 or at aishling. cunningham@childrenincrossfire.org.

JMK Solicitors recognised as Northern Ireland’s top personal injury law firm for eighth consecutive year

Olivia Meehan, Legal Services Director, Jonathan McKeown, Chairman, Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director

the reduced volume of traffic on the roads in 2021 due to the pandemic. The legal practice has branches in both Belfast and Newry with a third branch due to open in the North West in Summer 2022. Their long-term investment in technology means they are also able to provide services remotely to clients in any part of Northern Ireland. Managing Director, Maurece Hutchinson, said, “Every year, our staff go above and beyond for our clients, ensuring that our core values are part of all our processes and that we achieve the best possible outcome for those who have instructed us to resolve their case. We believe that the fact that JMK Solicitors have spent an eighth consecutive year at Number 1 is a direct result of our dedication to client care.”

During the 2021 Lexcel assessment, JMK Solicitors were praised for the consistent investment in client care and technology with the bespoke JMK App, used by over 1500 clients, as well as the JMK Court Guide, which was highlighted as, “an excellent way of putting clients at ease.” Speaking about JMK Solicitors’ widely publicised workweek reduction from 37.5 hours to 30 hours, effectively a four-day week with no reduction in pay, the assessors concluded that the reduction in work hours without compromising output, performance or remuneration was “now well established” and “nothing short of an amazing achievement.” With a team of over 80 people including a team of personal injury experts, JMK Solicitors assist clients all over Northern Ireland. To contact them, call 028 9032 0222 or email at

law@jmksolicitors.com

JMK Solicitors have continued to hold their position as Northern Ireland’s number one personal injury firm, marking their eighth consecutive year in the prestigious top spot. JMK were instructed by almost treble the number of clients than the next solicitors practice providing personal injury claims services, despite Aisling Cunningham, the charity’s Corporate Fundraiser, is encouraging Chamber of Commerce members to discuss new corporate partnerships with her. She said, “We are always keen to engage with local businesses – not just to get fundraising support from them but to build strong partnerships that deliver genuine benefits for them as well.”

“To kick-start any collaboration, we can arrange for Richard Moore to meet with staff and share his truly life-affirming story with them. That is always an experience that inspires and enriches. We firmly believe that building a corporate partnership with Children in Crossfire is perfect for renewing team spirit and cultivating real positivity among teammates.” Karen Hamilton, Manager of Action Trauma, took part in a similar event in 2020, saying, “Several members of the Action Trauma team took part in Children in Crossfire’s September (2020) walking challenge - and we all absolutely loved it. Aside from the pride we all felt at completing the challenge and raising a lot of vital funds, we also further deepened our team spirit. I heartily recommend to businesses that they sign up and take part in future challenges - I know we will!”

Fleming Agri Products winners at the Made in Northern Ireland Awards

Now in their ninth year, the Insider Made in Northern Ireland Awards recognise the excellence of the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland. The prestigious ceremony, which took place on Friday 13 May at the Titanic Hotel, showcases the successful achievements of innovative and forward-looking businesses across the whole region. Fleming Agri Products were delighted to win the Manufacturing Apprenticeship/ Training Scheme Award, with apprentice welder Chloe Rankin also making the final three in the Apprentice of the Year Award. Chloe, who is studying for a Level 3 Apprenticeship at the North West Regional College’s newly refurbished Springtown Campus, was the only female welder working in the Fleming Agri team.

The company’s success in the Awards reflects their long association with North West Regional College, with Fleming Agri training many apprentices over the last 30 years. Adrian Wilson has been appointed by the company as their Internal Welding Training Officer and helps new recruits settle in to the program as well as providing one-to-one mentoring. A real success story, he started his career at Fleming over 40 years ago and is now helping to develop and promote welding as a career for all of their new recruits. Fleming Agri Products are determined to bring in more apprentice welders and spray recruits to ensure that the youth of today can build the skills for tomorrow. This Award win marks a continued step in the company’s path to further growth and contribution to the North West economy.

Maggie McCartney, Fleming Agri Products, and Chloe Rankin, Apprentice of the Year finalist

Apex’s work in Creggan recognised at the CIH Awards

Apex Housing Association was presented with a CIH All Ireland Housing Award on Friday night in recognition of its work in building a greener environment and stronger community in Creggan in Derry~Londonderry. The award entitled ‘More than Bricks and Mortar’ was presented to Teresa McCloskey from Apex and acknowledged the partnership work with the Bogside and Brandywell Initiative to create and develop the Ballymagowan Allotments and Urban Park.

Teresa McCloskey, Performance and Quality Improvement Manager, commented, “We’re thrilled to have won this award for our work in Ballymagowan. We are proud to have worked alongside the community to create a beautiful space and innovative project that has significantly improved the area and delivered positive and sustainable outcomes for local people and the environment.” Apex was shortlisted for two other awards - ‘Working in Partnership’ for its work with Greater Shantallow Area Partnership in the Skeoge area of the city; and ‘Housing Hero’ for the fundraising efforts of Seamus Crossan of Belmont Cottages during 2021. The CIH All Ireland Housing Awards took place in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Friday 27 May. The awards celebrate and recognise the best in housing in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and showcase the amazing work and inspirational people seen in communities every day.

Apex Housing Association delivers services for around 15,000 tenants and residents across Northern Ireland

a day in the life

Name Paul Sweeney Age 53

Home Town Derry/Londonderry Company The Playhouse Job Title Head of Development Describe What your job entails As Head of Development, I am responsible for designing and leading our five-year development strategy. I work in collaboration with our Board, CEO, Engagement, Marketing, Finance, and Production Teams to approach trusts/ foundations, high-net worth donors, groups/associations, and corporates, and lead our direct marketing/capital appeal and legacy campaigns to build mediumto-long term sustainable relationships and partnerships. The Playhouse is a charity, and we fundraise for over 75% of our funds annually. Describe in detail a day in your business Every day in The Playhouse is unique. It is one of the most vibrant and loved arts centres in Northern Ireland. I work with some of the most creative and talented individuals that inspire and influence me daily. My work involves securing strong pipelines whilst using market analysis to develop new networks for funding opportunities. I meet corporate and major donors to outline the benefits of working with The Playhouse and how a partnership can, for example, inspire emerging young talent to take that next step into a career into the arts and become a potential star in the West End or Broadway. What has been your most memorable day at work? Currently we are producing a new play called Beyond Belief - The Life and Mission of John Hume which will mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in 2023. A recent sponsorship meeting with the Derry Credit Union about the production gave me the opportunity to read the original minutes from their first meeting in 1960. It was truly inspiring to view and touch history that made a major impact in our city and throughout the world. What is your greatest achievement? I have been working in the fundraising/voluntary sector for over 25 years. My greatest achievement was as Head of Fundraising for Macmillan in NI and Scotland. I successfully planned, implemented, and completed 11 major fundraising appeals in Scotland and Northern

Ireland. These included four

Macmillan Cancer Support Centres in Craigavon, Antrim, Belfast and

Derry/Londonderry. The centres are continuing to support people living with cancer in NI by offering nursing, medical and financial support.

What is the best advice you have been given?

In my career I have worked with amazing leaders and teams that have influenced me in many ways.

It’s always about how you empower people, lead change, share a vision, and inspire people. I have taken the advice that you need to be at your best more of the time, focus on the people, and the rest will follow, be comfortable to be uncomfortable, keep it simple, and make it count.

What are the most satisfying aspects to your job? In the development department, we work as one team around our supporters to maximise income so that The Playhouse can deliver creative, innovative, and accessible theatre, arts, education, and peacebuilding programmes. It’s so exciting to develop new networks and build relationships with key funders. How important are the arts to our economy and wider society? The transformative power of the arts helps us to make peace with ourselves, with others and the planet we share. It’s in the theatre and television we watch, the sights we see, and the music we listen to. It’s in the media we consume every day and is a world-wide billionpound economy. At The Playhouse, we use the arts to provide a platform for your voice to be heard and your story to be told. Sharing stories through the arts informs a new narrative – one that can inspire peaceful change and help us build a world, community, and economy oriented towards the common good.

Foyleside festivities driving high street footfall

As normal retail activity results on the high streets, Foyleside Shopping Centre’s vast array of themed events continues to drive increased footfall into the city centre. St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, and the City of Derry Jazz Festival have all featured on the calendar so far, with a wide range of entertainment, activities, and giveaways organised to complement each occasion. The Employment Fairs have been amongst the most popular, with the shopping centre collaborating with North West Regional College in showcasing their courses available.

“It is great to see our loyal shoppers back in Foyleside engaging with our range of events and visiting the wider city centre”, said Fergal Rafferty, Centre Manager. “Not only does it create a wonderful bustling atmosphere, but it also provides some welcome foot traffic for our retailers. This includes those who have only recently joined us such as Pandora, Regatta, Frasers and BPerfect.”

Fergal says that the increase in tourism post-Covid is a welcome boost to the local economy. “Foyleside and Derry’s city centre continue to deliver as a top tourism destination, re-energising our local economy in the process. This has been further boosted by the success of the hit TV show Derry Girls which has been invaluable in generating interest here”, he explains. Foyleside has several events on the horizon and is looking forward to what promises to be a very busy second half of 2022. “We are full of anticipation for the remainder of 2022 with a series of world-class events taking place right on our doorstep”, he says. “We are already looking forward to the Foyle Maritime Festival in July and, before we know it, it will be time for our famous Halloween and Christmas events!”.

Shoppers have returned to the Centre as Covid-19 restrictions have eased

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