Search

13 Oct 2025

Derry and Strabane businesses explore benefits of Digital Transformation

The event was a unique opportunity to showcase how digital transformation, supported by initiatives like the DTFF, can become a reality for local companies

Derry and Strabane businesses explore benefits of Digital Transformation

Business leaders from across the region got together at the Derry City and Strabane District Council offices in Strabane, to explore how to incorporate Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) principles into their day-to-day business operations.

Organised by the Council’s Business Support Team, the event offered an opportunity for local businesses to find out more about how digital transformation can drive growth, competitiveness, and improve efficiency.

Attendees were encouraged to avail of networking opportunities before a packed agenda of expert speakers and panel discussions focused on practical application.

The session was specifically structured to showcase how businesses can incorporate DTFF (Digital Transformation Flexible Fund) in their operations to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

The keynote address was delivered by Lee Williamson, Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Manager at Lowry Construction, who shared valuable insights on how digital tools - often supported by DTFF-type funding - can revolutionise operational standards, efficiency, and compliance within the construction sector. Other panellists included Patrick McGirr, Deputy Director of Business Engagement at the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC); Jim Murray, Manager of the XR HUB at North West Regional College (NWRC) and Fergus Begley, Start Up Manager at Ulster University.

The panellists shared real-world experiences and insights on embracing change, navigating funding opportunities, and how to stay ahead in a fast-evolving digital landscape, particularly through the lens of AI, Extended Reality (XR), and business start-up support.

Business Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Carolann Doherty, said this event was a unique opportunity to showcase how digital transformation, supported by initiatives like the DTFF, can become a reality for our local companies.

“The event offered the chance to hear first-hand accounts from industry leaders like Lee Williamson and the expertise from the panel highlighted that the tools for efficiency and growth are accessible right here. We are truly excited to see our local businesses embrace this journey to secure a competitive and innovative future.”

For further information on the event contact the Council’s Business Support Team.

To continue reading this article,
please subscribe and support local journalism!


Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.

Subscribe

To continue reading this article for FREE,
please kindly register and/or log in.


Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!

Register / Login

Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.

Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.