'Londonderry celebrated on Thursday after it was named the first UK City of Culture, a role it will take on in 2013. The city in Northern Ireland beat off Sheffield, Birmingham and Norwich, the other three finalists shortlisted for the honour' (Reuters).

http://www.cityofculture2013.com/

Get Involved - As we eagerly wait to find out whether our bid has been successful everyone involved in the Derry-Londonderry team would like to thank everybody involved what has and continues to be a vibrant campaign. Your support has been fantastic. The many ideas & words of encouragement have inspired us! And if you wish to join the campaign there’s still time, so why not get involved today (http://www.cityofculture2013.com/Get-Involved/Get-Involved.aspx)

Documento de candidatura - The wave of euphoria across the city following this outstanding achievement is just the beginning in the telling of a new story for the region. This is a new chapter in our journey from plantation to peace, and its legacy will last for generations.

Download the Executive Summary of the Bid

Small firms get £15million British Airways flight giveaway to help bosses tout their business abroad

"British Airways is offering small firms £15million of free flights to help boost their overseas sales.

The unique initiative will help business owners visit foreign trade fairs and meet buyers face to face to secure crucial orders.

They will hope to take advantage of the weak pound, which makes British products cheaper for customers in other countries.

The Mail is joining forces with BA to help find the entrepreneurs who can best benefit from the scheme. Anyone running a business who wants to take part can apply to be considered for tickets via our website.

Small and medium-sized firms are the lifeblood of the economy and are in an unparalleled position to help pull Britain out of the recession.

Together, these 4.7million businesses provide 22.7million jobs - 58 per cent of the total - and generate more than half of the country's commercial takings.

However, they have had difficulty tapping into lucrative markets in the U.S., Europe and the Far East because of the cost of reaching buyers.

British Airways, in a consortium also including the trade body BritishAmerican Business and the Government's UK Trade and Investment organisation, hopes its initiative will help change this.

The airline is calling on other big businesses to join the consortium and support the export drive".

After free flights and car rental, now hotel giant joins giveaway

"One of the world's biggest hotel chains has joined the groundbreaking campaign to help Britain's small firms boost exports.

The Accor Hotels group - whose brands include Novotel and Ibis - has pledged to provide 5,000 free rooms worth £500,000 to UK businessmen chasing overseas orders.

The announcement follows the Daily Mail's decision to support a British Airways initiative to offer £15million in free flights to small and medium-size businesses to help them pursue export orders". 

E nós?