Embrace entrepreneurialism

Speaking at the annual dinner he told the gathering: “The City of Culture year is a truly fantastic opportunity and one we should seize. To make the most of it we need to be more entrepreneurial, and start being so now. To change this we must all start stepping outside our comfort zone, live a little on the edge, stretch a little further in an effort to reach our goals, perhaps try something completely different to add a little spice to our economic life.

“My simple request is ‘dare to be different’. Abandon the dogma of the past,” he said, encouraging others to see the city in a new light: “For each of us personally it means standing out, taking a chance. Think of Derry as a place of opportunity and make that opportunity a reality. But most of all I ask government and the civil service to think differently about Derry. Be creative in how you can help the city become what we all want it to be – a healthy economic contributor.”

The keynote speaker was First Minister Peter Robinson, and the event was sponsored by Ulster Bank. Nial Douglas, the Head of North West Business Centre, said: “Ulster Bank is delighted to work in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce to support such a prestigious event, which highlights and underscores the City’s role as an important economic hub. There is much to be proud of and positive about in the City, from the opening of the Peace Bridge to the plans for the City of Culture celebrations, and Ulster Bank is committed to supporting businesses.”