The Final Word

with Gavin Killeen, Managing Director, Nuprint

design companies for the wine, beer, and spirits industry in the world. While most of the initial work was done over Zoom and Teams, which presented its own challenges, we worked well and constructively together. When restrictions on travel were eventually removed, we invited the team from the New York agency to come visit Derry and the North West.

This is where Aaron Koskela comes in. Aaron was a manager at Stranger & Stranger who led on the Bushmills work in the US. When Aaron finally made the journey to our shores, it’s fair to say he totally fell in love with the place. The people, the friendliness, our close proximity to some of the most beautiful outdoor spots and shorelines in the world, the picturesque train line between Derry and Castlerockeverything. There and then, the bug had bitten Aaron and within a few months he had made the decision to up sticks, leave his life in New York and, long story short, he started with us in Nurprint in May.

Speaking to Aaron after he moved, it was clear we often don’t fully recognise our own strengths. It taught me a wider lesson as well, one about cherishing what we have to offer here in Derry and the North West and being bolder and more confident in shouting about it. Many people’s immediate reaction upon hearing that a high flyer from New York City was swapping Times Square for Ebrington Square might be “why?”, but that would totally downplay what we have to offer to people looking to set up base here.

Between our quality of living, the openness and warmness of our people, our top-quality indigenous companies, and our natural beauty, we have a compelling pitch to make to highly skilled workers and leaders from across the world. While Aaron is just one example, I hope that his story can inspire others to come and see what the North West has to offer. I also hope it gives other local companies the confidence to try and attract global talent. Skills and labour shortages are a common feature across all sectors currently. Aaron’s case shows that we can compete globally to attract skilled workers who bring their unique perspectives and worldviews, who contribute to the economic success of the North West and, ultimately, become adopted members of our community.