Derry

I’ve just been approached by Derry City Council to see if I would support their bid to be awarded UK City of Culture 2013.

This is not as random as it may at first appear. Last year I visited Derry as part of my role as a judge in the “Enterprising Britain” competition to find the country’s most entrepreneurial city. I didn’t nominate it but was struck by many things. As soon as you come out of their nearest airport, there’s a road sign to Londonderry – except someone has painted over the London part of the name. This is  a place where they can’t decide what they’re called, I thought.

Despite this, it’s a city determined not to live forever in the shadow of Bloody Sunday. It’s building a bridge to boost its regeneration programme. It’s created some great musicians and wants to promote itself as a positive and engaging community open for business and tourism.

I don’t know what help if any my endorsement will give, but they will have it. I don’t what winning the bid will do to help them achieve their goals, but I hope they get it. Especially as Birmingham is currently the frontrunner!