DTNI’s landmark conference charts the next chapter for community-led regeneration
Development Trusts NI celebrated its 15th anniversary in October with a flagship Community Wealth Building Conference and Policy Symposium at the Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry. Under the theme “Social Development & Local Economy: Communities in the Lead”, the event brought together over 120 delegates to reflect on past achievements and shape a bold vision for a fairer, more inclusive economic future.
A Cross-Sector Coalition for Change
The conference welcomed a rich mix of stakeholders from across Northern Ireland and the border regions, including community leaders, social enterprises, housing associations, local and central government, credit unions, and public agencies. Representation from the Department for the Economy (DfE), Department for Communities (DfC), and local councils underscored the cross-departmental momentum behind Community Wealth Building (CWB) as a key framework for economic transformation.
Keynotes: Reclaiming the Economy for People and Place
Neil McInroy, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at The Democracy Collaborative, delivered a powerful keynote advocating for a “wealth-building economy” where communities, not corporations, are at the heart of economic decision-making. McInroy urged Northern Ireland to leverage its strong community infrastructure as a competitive advantage, calling for a regional action plan, legislative backing, and enabling conditions for fair employment, ownership, and ethical finance.
Professor Laura Bradley-McAuley (Ulster University) and Sarah McKinley (Independent Advisory Panel on CWB NI) added depth to the conversation, emphasising the need to reposition the social economy from the margins to the mainstream. They challenged policymakers to direct public resources towards the foundational economy – sectors like food, care, and energy – and to support visibility, shared ownership, and education-led innovation.
Panel Reflections: From Policy to Practice
Chaired by broadcaster Lynette Fay, panel discussions featured thought leaders including Dr. Lisa Wilson (NERI), Dr. Mairead McCormack (Glenshane Development), and Dr. Conor Patterson (Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency). Conversations explored barriers to local empowerment, the need for multi-year funding, and the cultural shift required to enable innovation and trust in community-led delivery.
A recurring theme was the urgent need to restore localism: shifting power, resources, and accountability closer to communities. Speakers called for councils to be empowered as economic delivery partners and for compliance-driven approaches to give way to confidence-based policy frameworks.
Breakout Sessions: Practical Pathways to Wealth Building
The afternoon breakout workshops translated strategy into action across four key areas:
- Financing Community Wealth: Credit unions and ethical lenders showcased models for accessible, locally rooted finance.
- Arts Economy: Cultural anchors like New Gate Arts demonstrated how the creative sector can drive regeneration.
- Place and Regeneration: Inner City Trust and Enterprise North West explored how community-led planning builds belonging.
- Rural Development: Easilink and RAPID highlighted approaches to retain wealth and build infrastructure in rural areas.
Each session reinforced the idea that communities already hold many of the tools needed to shape local prosperity – what’s needed is systemic support.
Recommendations: Laying the Groundwork for Action
The conference concluded with a series of practical recommendations aimed at government and policy-makers, including:
- A cross-departmental Community Wealth Building Framework (2026–2030)
- Multi-year investment models for the community sector
- A refreshed Social Enterprise and Good Jobs Strategy
- Revival of anchor institution research to guide procurement and land use
- Development of a Community Investment Fund
- A public campaign to profile community-led success stories.
As one panellist noted, “The time for community wealth building is now.” The roadmap laid out calls for DfE and other departments not only to support but to actively co-create the future of a more just and democratic economy.
A Milestone Moment, A Movement Gaining Momentum
This year’s conference did more than celebrate DTNI’s 15-year journey. It reaffirmed the movement’s core message: that lasting economic change is not only possible, but already underway, led by the energy and creativity of local communities. DTNI remains committed to enabling this transformation, advocating for policies and partnerships that place people and place at the centre of Northern Ireland’s economic recovery.