Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 27 December 2021

Forward Look

  • The Executive has announced a financial package for businesses affected by the latest Covid-19 restrictions, and will first review new measures on Thursday 13 January.

  • First Minister Paul Givan MLA has said the DUP will lay out tests in its election manifesto which will need to be met if the party is to return to government. The Daily Telegraph reports the party will urge the UK’s new lead Brexit negotiator, Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss MP, to trigger Article 16 in the new year.

  • The Equality Commission will investigate the High Street Spend Local Scheme over a complaint that under-18s were excluded. The Scheme has been extended until Friday 7 January for those who received their cards late.

  • An Audit Office report has found that local Councils face a tough financial future amid income generation challenges.

  • Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched a Consultation on Future Agricultural Policy Proposals for Northern Ireland. To respond by 15 February: LINK

  • An Institute for Fiscal Studies report has stated there is a case for a modest extension to the scope of devolved government’s borrowing powers in ‘normal’ times.

  • The £100m Belfast City Council-led restoration of the former Bank of Ireland building on Royal Avenue is due to be completed by 2028.

  • Laura Kuenssberg will step down as BBC Political Editor in April.

  • The US Senate has confirmed the nomination of Claire Cronin as the next US Ambassador to Ireland.

  • The Made in Northern Ireland Awards 2022 will take place on Friday 13 May 2022 at the Titanic Hotel.

Other Stories this week

  • Invest NI has appointed former Finance and Operations Director Mel Chittock as its interim Chief Executive.

  • Christopher Brooke has been appointed as the new Chair of Tourism Ireland.

  • The ESRI has found that NI companies exported an extra £1bn of goods to the Republic of Ireland in the first ten months of 2021.

  • A UK Digital Economy Council report has named Belfast as one of the UK’s fastest growing tech cities.

  • High Court Judge Mr Justice Scoffield has ruled that DUP ministers boycotting North South Ministerial Council meetings are in “abject breach of their solemn pledge”.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 14 January, A Seat with Sinn Féin, NICVA

  • 17 January, NI Assembly returns from Christmas Recess

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

Londonderry Chamber deeply disappointed at lack of financial supports for businesses

Londonderry Chamber Vice President Selina Horshi

Reacting after the Executive’s decisions on Covid-19, Londonderry Chamber Vice President Selina Horshi said:

“It’s deeply frustrating that, for a second Christmas in a row, the Executive has chosen to close businesses once again. Nearly two years into the pandemic, the continued cycle of closures and openings is having a hugely detrimental impact on small and independent businesses, local employers, and our wider economy. The uncertainty over how long these latest restrictions will last and what substantial financial supports will be available to businesses worst affected must be addressed as soon as possible.

“The hospitality industry, which stands to be one of the sectors worst affected by these latest restrictions, has only just recently adapted to new rules and procedures in the form of Covid vaccine certifications. These have already come at substantial cost to a lot of these businesses and they have spent weeks preparing for the introduction of the certifications. The Executive must, therefore, outline the scientific evidence which states that these new restrictions in the form of closures are necessary to quash the threat from the Omicron variant.

“Other decisions taken, including the bolstering of the working from home message and the introduction of legislation to require social distancing in the workplace, will also have a significant impact on businesses of all kinds. The Executive must work with businesses and employers to clearly outline what they must do and give them the support they need to put these processes in place. The Executive must also recognise the impact that greater working from home has on other sectors including city and town centre retail, and get financial support out to these high street businesses as soon as possible.

“It’s wholly unacceptable that ministers have taken these decisions without having a proper and significant financial support package in place which businesses can immediately draw down from. Any delay adds to confusion and anxiety and business owners deserve so much better. The Executive must make clear as soon as possible how it intends to support businesses, and which businesses.

“We would again encourage people to continue supporting and spending local this Christmas, as well as taking all necessary Covid precautions like wearing a mask when you’re out and about and getting your jabs as soon as you can.”

Wellbeing of over 1,500 victims and survivors supported by the Victims and Survivors Service

Margaret Bateson, Chief Executive of the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS)

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has awarded over £370,000 of funding to community organisations supporting victims and survivors to build social connections and reduce social isolation.

Nearly £200,000 was allocated to 20 community partner organisations by VSS for the Spring/Summer Social Isolation Programme. A further £174,000 has just been awarded to 17 community partner organisations for the Autumn/Winter Programme.

The funding, provided through the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the SEUPB, has enabled a range of social interactions to take place. Activities for the Spring/Summer Programme included painting workshops, walking tours and equine-assisted learning. The Autumn/Winter Programme will enable activities such as winter gardening group sessions, knitting and Christmas crafting.

VSS is committed to reducing social isolation and improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict. The activities are centered around the ‘TAKE 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ initiative. The concept of TAKE 5 is to encourage victims and survivors to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and to give.

CEO of VSS, Margaret Bateson said:

“VSS is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors. We have been able to support, and positively impact, the lives of over 1,500 victims and survivors throughout this year.

“Building on the success of the Spring/Summer Isolation Programme, the activities for our new Autumn/Winter Programme have been carefully selected to ensure there is something for all interests and abilities.

“The funding provided to our community partners enables victims and survivors to safely interact and connect through a range of social activities, whilst still ensuring Covid-19 restrictions are adhered to.”

Welcoming the funding awarded, Chief Executive of the SEUPB, Gina McIntyre said:

“Many victims and survivors of our shared history experience high levels of isolation which can negatively impact their mental health. Unfortunately, this has only been intensified as a direct result of the pandemic.

“The EU PEACE IV funding allocated for the Spring/Summer Social Isolation Programme allowed for a range of activities to take place, positively impacting 1,500 victims and survivors.

“This new tranche of funding will continue to allow community organisations deliver health and well-being support activities, giving victims and survivors the opportunity to connect in a safe environment.”

This programme is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

New plans lodged for over 250 homes in the Waterside

CGI of the proposed development layout

Plans have been submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council to build 255 new homes in the Waterside area of the city. The new development will be at Ballyoan on lands adjacent to Clooney Road at Gransha Roundabout.

The proposals are being brought forward by a new partnership between Derry-based property developer South Bank Square and leading housing provider Choice.

The exciting new plans include a mix of social and affordable homes ranging from one to four bedrooms, comprising a mix of terrace, detached and semi-detached houses as well as a number of bungalows and apartments aimed at those aged 55 and over. The proposals also include significant areas of open space, a woodland walk, allotments, children's play area, and a tenant hub.

The entire project represents a very significant £120million of investment to the City Region, and will see the creation of approximately 850 new jobs over a period of eight to ten years.

Martin Mallon, Managing Director of South Bank Square said:

“We are delighted to unveil these updated proposals for the Ballyoan site. This new partnership with Choice Housing Association represents a significant multi-million pound investment in the North West and will see the development of hundreds of new family homes over the next ten years.

“The comprehensive planned development of this site will be key to delivering some of the thousands of new family homes that we know are very much needed in the city now and over the forthcoming years. The new proposals will include expansive areas of open space, children’s play areas, a woodland walk, as well as proposed improvements to the local roads infrastructure.

“It is fantastic to be able to announce this level of investment in our home city and we expect that this scale of investment will bring with it many job opportunities for local people and local suppliers in the North West. Enabling works have already started on site following our planning approvals granted earlier this year and we hope to commence house building on site early in 2022.”

Michael McDonnell, CEO at Choice said:

“We are thrilled to move forward with these proposals in partnership with South Bank Square. This project will unlock huge potential to create much needed, high quality social and affordable homes for a range of people in the city.

“As well as relieving housing stress in the city, this project will allow young families to get on the property ladder by bringing forward a number of affordable homes, as well as offering professionally managed, exceptional private rental opportunities too.

“Extensive planning has been carried out to ensure the needs of young families, disabled people, and the elderly are catered for, with plenty of green space, allotments, a play park and a tenant hub included in our ambitious plans. We hope to be able to secure planning permission for these homes so that we can begin to deliver them as soon as possible.”

NI aid worker calls for action to prevent catastrophe in Afghanistan, as the Disasters Emergency Committee ramps up the Afghanistan Crisis Appeal

By Maryann Horne, as originally appeared in the Irish News, 20 December

Senior Humanitarian Advisor with the British Red Cross Maryann Horne

As we drove about bumping along small mud trails in Afghanistan this month to visit some remote projects, my mind kept on drifting to Northern Ireland and the days of my youth.

As we visited humanitarian clinics and projects run by the Red Cross and Red Crescent, old reflexes resurfaced. I scanned the flags, graffiti on the walls as we approached villages.

The landscapes may be beautiful, but the reality facing its people has never been bleaker. The country is on its knees, the economy in free fall and hope is slipping away. At the heart of the crisis is an ongoing severe drought, a lack of cash and functioning banking system. The aftershocks of the pandemic, fighting and displacement are still rife.

The country is bracing itself for the worse humanitarian crisis in decades. Lives are already being lost to hunger, the lack of functioning hospitals and disease. I watched queues grow from morning to nightfall around the gates of Kabul’s main paediatric hospital.

People in Afghanistan are proud, strong and incredibly resilient, but there’s a sense of desperation in their eyes that I’ve not seen before.

For me, there were comparisons between scenes witnessed in my youth and Afghanistan today, but it’s the lessons we learned about the importance of empowering people affected by a crisis that resonated the most as I thought of home.

As the humanitarian effort takes shape, it is critical that the little aid that is being put forward remains guided by those it serves. Communities who understand the needs and have the trust of those most vulnerable must be listened to. They must remain at the heart of identifying beneficiaries and delivering aid.

On my travels, I met many Afghan women - strong, resilient, and proud. While their sons and men are forced to work away, they run communities.  They are leaders. Many have up to twelve children. They organise, feed, care and know better than most what aid is needed and how it should be delivered.

I met many of these women in remote clinics run by the Afghan Red Crescent. The mobile community clinics, today threatened by lack of funding, are their only access to basic health.

As we sat on the floor surrounded by sick children, they spoke with a resignation I’ve rarely observed. Most are cutting down on food portions because they just don’t have enough cash. Many brought children under five already showing signs of malnutrition. Drawn eyes, heavy limbs, faces without the sparkle and mischief of youth.


Food and medical aid distribution by the Afghan Red Crescent.

The needs in Afghanistan aren’t just about food. The situation requires even more sophisticated humanitarian responses. These responses rely on working with national humanitarian organisations such as the Afghan Red Crescent who are embedded at the heart of the community.

They are more resolute than ever on ensuring every penny is spent on those at the margins. They may be affected themselves. But they put themselves second. I spoke to several nurses and midwives who have turned up every day before, during and since the transition in August without getting paid for now four months. With the banking system paralysed, they may not get paid for many more.

There’s also a particular affinity between the few Northern Irish aid workers in Kabul today. Most left with the transition. My colleague from Belfast is a United Nation’s access specialist and is scouring the country to improve understanding of the UN humanitarian system and build relations. Another friend from Coleraine is advising senior UN officials. We like to joke we may be small tribe, but we’re mighty!

As the crisis worsens, we are honoured to be on the front lines serving the response effort. But I hope we won’t be alone and that you, as readers, will join us. This week the Disasters Emergency Committee, of which British Red Cross is a member, has launched its Afghanistan Crisis Appeal. The generosity of folk from Northern Ireland is legendary. Afghanistan today needs some of that generosity more than ever. Please donate to the DEC appeal – if you can. Every single penny will help us and the thirteen aid agencies represented to save lives.

Donations can be made online at dec.org.uk and phone 0370 60 60 610.

To donate £10 text SUPPORT to 70150.?Texts cost £10 and the whole £10 goes to the DEC Afghanistan Crisis Appeal. You must be 16 or over. Full terms and conditions and more information is at dec.org.uk.

People can also donate over the counter at any bank or post office, or send a cheque by post to DEC Afghanistan Crisis Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 20 December 2021

Forward Look

  • Please find attached a rundown of the legislation currently passing through the Assembly.

  • The Northern Ireland Assembly has risen for Christmas Recess. The next scheduled plenary session is on 17 January. The UK Parliament will return on 5 January.

  • The Executive has been told that “significant intervention” may be need in January if the Omicron variant is as severe as Delta. It comes as the deputy First Minister called for the reintroduction of furlough. The Executive is expected to meet again on Wednesday to take further decisions.

  • The Belfast Region City Deal has been signed off by government ministers. The deal will deliver over 20 projects with an investment of £1 billion over the next decade.

  • Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA expects the Executive to agree the draft Budget by mid-February before purdah begins on 25 March.

  • The Fiscal Commission published its Interim Report which found there is a case to consider further taxes. Its next report is expected at the beginning of the next political mandate and will focus on income tax, fuel, alcohol, and tobacco duties, stamp duty land tax, air passenger duty, the apprenticeship levy, and landfill tax.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has launched his department’s new energy strategy which sets three ambitions to ensure Northern Irelands energy is secure and affordable by 2030.

  • The UK Government announced that goods exported from Ireland to Great Britain will be temporarily exempted from new border controls on EU-GB trade which take effect on 1 January.

  • At the Education Committee, officials confirmed that the Special Schools Area Planning Strategy will be published in June 2022 after a further 12-week consultation.

  • Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn will introduce a Private Members Bill to the Assembly on Suicide Prevention in the next term.

  • The Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill passed all stages in the Assembly and will become law once it receives Royal Assent.

  • The Irish News has reported that Diane Dodds MLA is “expected” to stand down at the next Assembly Election, potentially allowing party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to stand in Upper Bann. The paper also reports that Edwin Poots’ seat in Lagan Valley would be ‘vulnerable’ if three DUP candidates stood in the constituency.

  • The EU will today publish a new proposal for guaranteeing medicine supplies from GB to Northern Ireland. BBC NI is also reporting that the UK Government has indicated that the European Court of Justice could have a role in the governance of the NI Protocol.

Other Stories this week

  • Alliance Belfast City Councillor Carole Howard has defected to the UUP.

  • Adam Smyth has been appointed as the interim director of BBC Northern Ireland.

  • Baroness Hallett has been appointed chair of the UK’s public inquiry into the Covid pandemic.

  • The Department for the Economy is seeking to appoint 7 board members to the Board of Invest Northern Ireland.

  • The Executive is to receive an additional £75 million to help with ongoing pandemic pressures. The Department of Finance claims £50m of this is not new money, however.

  • MLAs voted by 59 to 24 to approve the use of the Covid Certification Scheme.

  • DUP MLA Christopher Stalford’s Private Members Bill concerning abortion was rejected by the Assembly this week.

  • The latest NI Planning Statistics show that the average processing time for major applications was 56.4 weeks for the first six months of 2021/22, above the 30 week target.

  • Julie Gibbons, Managing Director of AbbeyAutoline, has been elected the new President of Newry Chamber of Commerce.

  • The Liberal Democrats have won the North Shropshire by-election, a seat the Conservatives had held for nearly 200 years.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 14 January, A Seat with Sinn Féin, NICVA

  • 17 January, NI Assembly returns from Christmas Recess

  • 23 February, CO3 Leadership Breakfast

  • 10 March, Women in Business awards

  • 24 March, Belfast Chamber’s BelFastForward Conference

Consultations

Community pharmacy surpasses 250,000 Covid-19 vaccination milestone as booster service continues at pace

(L-R) Community pharmacist, Ryan McKinstry; pharmacy team member, Claire McQuade; Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene; pharmacy team member, Marjorie McCowan; and community pharmacist, Liam Grimley.

Northern Ireland’s community pharmacies have administered 250,000 COVID-19 vaccinations as the professional teams continue to push ahead with the expanding vaccination service.

The 250,000-vaccine milestone encompasses the primary and booster vaccinations administered since the sector’s inclusion in the vaccination programme in March 2021.

Community pharmacy is now the main provider of first and second COVID-19 vaccination doses as well as delivering the booster vaccination to those eligible through community pharmacy (currently those aged over 30 and three months on from their second vaccine dose).

Currently, over 250 community pharmacies are providing the Moderna booster vaccination for all those who are eligible.

(L-R) Community pharmacists Ryan McKinstry, Liam Grimley and the Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene.

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said:

“Reaching this significant milestone is a credit to the work and dedication of our community pharmacy teams. The network joined the vaccination programme back in March and since then has been working incredibly hard to maximise the levels of protection against COVID-19 across our communities. Administering 250,000 vaccines in nine months shows the value of accessible and convenient community pharmacy locations and community pharmacy teams have played a significant role in getting overall numbers to where they are today. During the recent Community Pharmacy ‘Big Jab Weekend’ over sixty local pharmacies vaccinated over 11,000 people with their COVID-19 vaccine or booster, which is a tremendous achievement.

“As we approach some of the busiest weeks in the year for community pharmacy, our pharmacy teams will be working hard to dispense the medicines patients will need for the Christmas and new year holiday periods. I would ask the public to be patient as this may affect the availability of the COVID-19 vaccination service at some community pharmacies in the lead up to and over the festive season.”

Sean Grimley, community pharmacist at Pharmacy Plus said:

“As a community pharmacist, I’ve seen daily the benefit of providing the COVID-19 vaccine to those living locally in the community. Community pharmacy is the first choice for many in our neighborhoods, including the elderly and those unable to travel, due to our convenient location and the fact that patients trust us. It has been really encouraging to be able to provide primary and booster jabs to our patients and support them throughout this period.

“Working in the community, we are live to the concerns from patients in relation to increased COVID-19 transmissibility and ease of access to vaccines which is why it is so important that we continue to provide all doses required to give the maximum protection possible and allay the concerns patients might have.”

To find your nearest participating community pharmacy: http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/booster-covid19-vaccination/

NI Charities join DEC Afghanistan Crisis Appeal with a million children at risk of dying this winter

Habib* is screened for malnutrition at a health clinic supported by DEC charity International Rescue Committee in Afghanistan. In a country where eight million people are on the brink of famine and a million children under the age of five are at risk of dying over the next three months, children like Habib urgently need help to stay alive. *Name changed

A number of charities in Northern Ireland have joined a major DEC fundraising appeal as a catastrophic rise in hunger sweeps Afghanistan.

Supported locally by the British Red Cross, Tearfund, Save the Children and Concern Worldwide, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Afghanistan Crisis Appeal will launch on Wednesday 15 December to raise funds for urgent humanitarian response in Afghanistan.

The appeal comes as conflict and economic collapse, coupled with the worst drought in 27 years and the Covid-19 pandemic, bring the situation in Afghanistan to a tipping point.

DEC charities, including those operating locally, say that urgent action to scale up operations is needed to prevent many lives being lost as more than 22 million people – 55% of the population – don't have enough to eat.

More than eight million people are on the brink of famine, with a million children under the age of five at risk of dying over the next three months. Acting quickly is essential before the freezing winter sets in, with temperatures falling as low as -12 degrees centigrade.

Three million children under five are expected to suffer acute malnutrition over the winter as families are unable to grow or pay for food. DEC charities are reporting that hospitals are already struggling to treat shockingly malnourished mothers and children due to a lack of medicines and supplies.

A pharmacist from one of Afghan Red Crescent's mobile health teams provides much-needed medicines during a community visit.

Kevin McCaughan, Senior Institutional Programme Funding Officer at the British Red Cross in Northern Ireland said:

“There is no doubt that things have reached a crisis point in Afghanistan. The conflict of recent months is in addition to existing chronic poverty, the worst drought the country has seen in almost three decades and a pandemic that led to mass population displacement. We know, through existing work in the country, that the situation has been dire for many years, but it is now clear that a coordinated joined-up approach is necessary.”

“In Northern Ireland, the generosity of our people knows no limits and we have a chance to support millions of people, an overwhelming amount of whom are woman and children, from famine. As Afghanistan enters the winter months, we are appealing for people to urgently donate whatever they can to support those who desperately need it.”

Saleh Saeed, DEC Chief Executive, said:

“The situation in Afghanistan is now beyond horrific. A million children are at risk of dying this winter. We can’t just sit back and let that happen. We must act fast to reach them with the food they so badly need.”

“Our members are on the ground and already helping but we urgently need to scale this work up to reach many more in need. People are starving – eight million are on the brink of famine.”

“We're urging people to donate to help families feed their children, protect themselves against freezing temperatures and to provide vital medical supplies to deal with malnutrition, hypothermia and acute respiratory infections, otherwise many young children will simply not survive the coming months. Thanks to the UK Government, donations from the public will be doubled up to £10 million.”

How to donate:  
Online: dec.org.uk 

Phone: 0370 60 60 610

SMS: To donate £10 text SUPPORT to 70150. Texts cost £10 and the whole £10 goes to the DEC AFGHANISTAN CRISIS APPEAL. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information go to www.dec.org.uk 

Or donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque by post to Post: DEC Afghanistan Crisis Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA. 

‘Levelling Up Secretary’ addresses NILGA all-party Executive meeting

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess

Local councillors in Northern Ireland have called on the UK Government to fully recognise and prioritise Northern Ireland as part of its levelling up commitments as Michael Gove attended a NILGA Executive meeting this morning.

Mr Gove, who was appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities back in September, addressed the all-party Executive meeting in Mossley Mill, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to outline his commitments and plans for levelling up across the United Kingdom.  Mr Gove’s appearance at the Executive meeting comes as the UK Government prepares to publish its white paper on levelling up, a key priority and milestone of the current administration.

The attendance by Secretary Gove is an important end of year investment and engagement signal for NILGA and its 11 member councils, as well as for Northern Ireland more widely. The attendance was also one of his first engagements in his other role as Minister for Intergovernmental Relations.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove MP

Speaking after the Executive meeting, Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said:

“Today’s meeting underlined our shared commitment to build back better from the pandemic and level up communities across the whole United Kingdom.

“From funding skills training for business start-ups in Derry/Londonderry and Strabane, to regenerating green cycleways in Ards and North Down, we’re backing locally-led projects that will make a real difference to communities in Northern Ireland.

“I look forward to building a close relationship with NILGA and working together to ensure that every individual, whatever their background, has the chance to succeed and realise their true potential.”

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess added:

“NILGA welcomed the engagement today with Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove MP. The Government has made levelling up across the United Kingdom the centrepiece of their administration and we look forward to the publication of the white paper on levelling up in the coming weeks.

“We are keen that Northern Ireland gets its rightful place in the levelling up agenda. Councils are at the forefront of communities across Northern Ireland and it is crucial, therefore, that we are at the forefront of levelling up. With multi-billion, multi-annual budgets for community renewal, enterprise, new skills, technology, and infrastructure, NILGA has spearheaded engagement to ensure our 11 member councils navigate and benefit from this hugely significant levelling up programme.

“NILGA’s policy and actions remain crystal clear – councils should receive every single financial and strategic incentive possible to lead place-shaped investment, social cohesion, a modern and radical approach to enterprise, and to environmental management. We welcomed today’s engagement with the Secretary of State and we look forward to continuing to engage on an official level going into the new year.”  

Tech director elected new President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce

Aidan O’Kane, Londonderry Chamber President

Aidan O’Kane has been appointed the 79th President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

Aidan, a Director at Northern Ireland’s largest IT company, Allstate NI, was appointed at the AGM on Thursday 9 September, taking over the reins from outgoing President, Dawn McLaughlin. Aidan has also been one of the Co-Chairs of the Cross Border Workers Coalition since summer 2020.

In his address to members, Aidan spoke of the economic recovery, rebuild and revitalisation required over the next 12 months, and the need for elected representatives to prioritise the North West ahead of May’s Assembly Election.

Aidan will be supported in his role by Selina Horshi, Managing Director at the White Horse Hotel, who will be the Chamber’s Vice-President for 2022.

Selina Horshi, Londonderry Chamber Vice President, and Aidan O’Kane, Londonderry Chamber President

Speaking to members at the AGM in the Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Aidan O’Kane said:

“I am very proud to have been elected President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and I would like to thank the membership for trusting me with this position. In the coming 12 months, I promise to work unwaveringly for our members and for businesses here in the North West.

“Dawn has worked exceptionally hard for Chamber members this year, representing our interests with distinction, and I would like to thank her on behalf of all our members for her dedication in 2021.

“Looking ahead to 2022, recovery, rebuild and revitalisation are the watchwords for the next 12 months. It goes without saying that the pandemic has had a significant and severe impact on businesses and the economy. While 2020 appeared bleak and unclear, the emergence and roll-out of the vaccines in 2021 has given us the opportunity to fully bounce back in 2022.

“Our region is on the cusp of something special. There’s an energy and optimism among colleagues, among key stakeholders, and among businesses to lift up the North West. We are fast approaching the next Assembly election, and it’s crucial that our local elected representatives, new ministers, and the incoming NI Executive recognise this and commit to doing all they can to positively develop our region during the next mandate.

“I am excited to get to grips with my new role and I will be working extremely hard over the next year to help make sure that local businesses succeed in a successful North West.”

Outgoing President Dawn McLaughlin also said:

“It has been an honour and a professional and personal privilege to have served as President of the Chamber. Leading Chamber, I have worked diligently to have the voice of North West business heard at all levels of government, North, South, and beyond our island, working constructively to find solutions and secure support for our members.

“Despite the challenges of both Brexit and Covid-19, this year has seen great successes, with high points being the sign-off of the City Deal, the long-awaited opening of the Graduate Entry Medical School at Magee and the announcement of the £70m Health Hub at Fort George. We have welcomed new companies to the North West and FDI is strengthening in our region.

“When things have been at their toughest, we have often been at our best, and the sense of community, camaraderie, and support among members has been genuinely inspiring to see. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members recognising the lengths they have gone to in protecting their people and their businesses, and I commend them for all they have done for our community during the pandemic.

“I would like to thank the Chamber team and directors for their support and wish Aidan and Selina the best of luck for 2022. I am certain that they will represent our region with strong, committed, and dynamic leadership.”