Business

New Chamber president in pledge to deal with Brexit fall-out

Newly-elected Londonderry Chamber of Commerce president Dawn McLaughlin with vice-president Aidan O’Kane
Newly-elected Londonderry Chamber of Commerce president Dawn McLaughlin with vice-president Aidan O’Kane Newly-elected Londonderry Chamber of Commerce president Dawn McLaughlin with vice-president Aidan O’Kane

CHARTERED accountant Dawn McLaughlin has been appointed as the 78th president of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, taking over the reins from Redmond McFadden.

And in her inaugural address to the organisation's virtual AGM, she pledged to work with businesses in the city to rebuild the region's economy post-Covid and to help manage the Brexit fall-out.

Dawn, who runs her own accountancy firm in the north west, will be supported in the role by Allstate NI director Aidan O’Kane as vice-president for 2021.

She said: “I'm under no illusions as to the serious challenges facing our local business community over the coming 12 months, and sustained government support will be crucial as we navigate these difficult times.

“But there are reasons to be optimistic for the next 12 months. The first vaccinations which took place this week in Northern Ireland is wonderful, and will hopefully lead to a speedier recovery than first thought.

“The Executive’s emerging Programme for Government in the first half of 2021 is an opportunity to make the north west’s voice heard loud and clear and make sure that local ministers prioritise our region.

“And the taoiseach’s recently announced Shared Island Unit and commitment of half a billion euros over the next five years is a chance to attract crucial investment into the north west and address infrastructure deficits.”

Dawn thanked outgoing president Redmond McFadden for his work over the last year.

He in turn said: “I’ve seen first-hand this year the talent, compassion, and adaptability of our local business leaders as they faced the most difficult challenges of their professional lives in 2020 and made the most difficult decisions they are ever likely to make.

“It’s important to also acknowledge the successes and high points of this year including the long-awaited sign-off of the Graduate Entry Medical School and the commitment from the Executive of match funding for the City Deal.

“I'm certain Dawn and Aidan will represent our region with strong, committed, and dynamic leadership.”