City of Culture team hailed for promoting link with GB

LONDONDERRY’S City of Culture team have been honoured for sustaining East-West economic links at the annual Aer Lingus Viscount Awards.

The Derry City Council City of Culture team were rewarded for helping sustain the economic ties that have been developed between NI and Great Britain at the awards.

The ceremony, which was held in London, awarded those who have best demonstrated a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy and a strong collaboration between NI and GB.

The seven-strong judging panel deliberated over 100 of the province’s most successful companies before deciding on the eventual winners.

The panel was made up of Declan Kearney, Communications Director at Aer Lingus, Tracy Meharg, Managing Director of the Innovation & Capability Group at Invest NI, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Jamie Delargy, Business Editor at UTV, Richard Buckley, Editor of Business Eye, Adrienne McGill, Business Editor of the News Letter and James Stinson, Business Correspondent at Irish News.

The categories were; Most Innovative Company of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Small/Medium/Large Companies of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Outstanding Contribution and the Aer Lingus Viscount Award for Overall Excellence.

The Aer Lingus Viscount Award for Overall Excellence was awarded to First Derivatives.

Declan Kearney, Communications Director at Aer Lingus said the awards came at the end of a challenging year.

He said: “We were hugely impressed not only by the volume but the caliber of this year’s entrants.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging 24 months for companies large and small, and the achievements of those businesses and individuals who made the shortlist are to be commended.

“Each has responded proactively and robustly to the current environment through increased innovation and export, seeking where possible to boost business across the Irish Sea and Aer Lingus is proud to provide the gateway via our Belfast to Heathrow route, for those businesses to connect with their Great British markets.”

The award is the latest boost for the team who last year successfully upset the odds to bring the inaugural UK City of Culture 2013 title to Londonderry.

Last summer Londonderry fought off competition from Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield to claim the crown.

The idea for a UK City of Culture came from the success of Liverpool during its year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The award doesn’t come with any government funding, although the organisers hope to use it as a focus for fundraising and regeneration.