North West delegation head on US Trade and Investment Mission

A high-level, cross-border delegation from the North West of Ireland is undertaking a significant trade and investment mission to Philadelphia, Boston and New York this week, as part of a concerted effort to promote the region and strengthen transatlantic ties.

The joint delegation is being jointly led by Donegal County Council & Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Among those attending will be is the Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly, and Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, as well as Council officials, senior representatives from Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce; Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce; and key industry leaders and representatives from the Local Enterprise Office Donegal, Alpha Innovation and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

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A key part of the mission is the new "Lead2Grow" programme, which has been designed to empower CEOs with the skills, insights and strategies to scale their businesses. The NW companies will learn from leading academics and industry experts at the IESE Business School's campus and from each other. The mission is designed to build on the success of previous visits, which have supported over 50 North West firms in testing the US market and developing business opportunities.

The mission includes a high-calibre delegation of businesses representing the region's key economic sectors, including advanced manufacturing, green technology, specialist engineering, food production, and business services.

The Lead2Grow delegation showcases the North West's dual strength in cutting-edge technology and specialist engineering. This group includes firms driving Industry 4.0, such as FAST, which provides automation and robotics solutions globally, and Vox Talk AI, which is transforming security monitoring by deploying intelligent AI voice agents for alarm centres.

In the specialist engineering and manufacturing domain, the delegation features Welditz, an ISO-accredited fabricator for the Life Sciences and Robotics sectors; Seabound Engineering Ltd, a builder of high-performance aluminium boats; and Gillcon Group Ltd, which designs and installs innovative, sustainable retaining wall systems. These companies demonstrate a collective commitment to high-precision work and scalable, technology-driven expansion into the US market.

The second core area of the delegation focuses on essential services, green technology, and key consumer sectors. This includes Niche SSP, which is already supplying specialist recruitment and talent advisory services directly to the US construction industry. Supporting industrial infrastructure is FNW Group (steel products and industrial access) and Silver Strand Rope Works Ltd (ropes and strapping for construction, marine, and renewables).

Additionally, the mission highlights green innovation through Living Green, a producer of certified organic juices and compost, and Glendermott Enterprises Ltd, a sustainability partner providing circular packaging and fibre recovery services. Rounding out the group are McColgan's, Ireland’s largest producer of savoury pastry-based products, and O'Reilly Sports, a premium sportswear brand, both seeking to expand their consumer reach across the Atlantic.

Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Donal 'Mandy' Kelly, said: "The collaboration between Donegal and Derry on this mission highlights our shared commitment to regional development. This joint approach allows us to present a unified and compelling proposition to our American counterparts, highlighting the seamless opportunities that exist across our border. The mission will not only strengthen our existing economic and educational links but also create new ones that will benefit our communities for years to come."

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, added: "This trade mission is a crucial opportunity to showcase the North West City Region to a global audience. The new 'Lead2Grow' programme is a fantastic addition, providing our local businesses with world-class training and a platform to expand their horizons. By forging new connections and building on our strong diaspora links, we are creating a pathway for businesses to expand, attracting vital investment, and fostering educational partnerships."

The mission will also include a range of high-level meetings, engagements with chambers of commerce and government agencies, business events with tourism partners and participation in the prestigious Golden Bridges transatlantic conference in Boston.