Potential of north west 'waiting to be unlocked'

The potential of the north west is just "waiting to be unlocked", the newly-appointed president of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has said.

Andrew Fleming, of the FNW group, was appointed as the 82nd president of the chamber at their AGM on Friday evening.

The FNW Group includes Fleming Steel, Fleming Doors and Fleming Coatings based in County Donegal; Nor-west Roofing Systems in Omagh; Limavady Roller Doors in Limavady and BES Solutions in Belfast.

Mr Fleming will be supported in his role by Steven Lindsay from Cavanagh Kelly Accountancy, who takes up the role as chamber vice-president.

"The north west city region is brimming with potential, just waiting to be unlocked," Mr Fleming told members at their annual general meeting.

"I am grateful to become president in what is a very positive time for our region with the executive's commitment to regional balance and review of Invest NI, the signing of the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane region City Deal, the work of the university taskforce and ambitious plans as part of the all-island strategic rail review, to name but a few.

"This progress has been aided by the diligent team at Derry Chamber and the many excellent presidents that have come before me.

"I believe the time for talking and signing agreements is over – now is the time to see diggers in the ground and cranes in the air, and the foundations of our future being laid.

"Now is the opportunity for our people to be invested in, as well as our region."

Mr Fleming committed to being the voice for local businesses and endeavouring to promote "the crucial collaborative partnerships that are needed between our public, private and education sectors".

"I believe that the north west city region is a powerful concept and should continue to develop and promote ambitious regional collaborations," he said.