PEOPLE. PLANET. PROSPERITY – OUR GIANT AMBITION
People.Planet.Prosperity is our giant concept designed to ignite a new era of transformation as we look towards our next 25 years.
It provides a clear and compelling path to improved social and economic wellbeing for everyone and our contribution to a sustainable world.
Northern Ireland is a highly attractive location for global business, thanks to its highly skilled workforce and business-friendly environment. Nearly 1,200 international firms have chosen to operate in Northern Ireland, and home-grown companies export products and services to more than 100 countries.
A Top Destination for Investment
Northern Ireland is an ideal location for business expansion. It is one of Europe’s most business-friendly locations of its size, and nearly 1,200 international firms are already growing their companies in the region. This includes North American multinationals like Allstate, Aflac, Baker McKenzie, Citi, Deloitte, Liberty Mutual, Linamar, Magellan, Microsoft and Spirit AeroSystems.
They benefit from a talented workforce—backed by the free, customisable Assured Skills training and recruitment programme, competitive operating costs (up to 30% lower than other locations in the UK and Europe), and world-class infrastructure.
They also enjoy a high standard of living, an array of financial incentives and support packages, and easy access to global markets. For these reasons and more, 70% of new investors choose to re-invest.
A GLOBAL EXPORTER
Northern Ireland supplies world-class products and services to more than 100 countries. Our companies are innovative and forward-thinking, with a proven track record of working with global business.
Our engineering and manufacturing expertise solves the most difficult challenges. Northern Ireland produces parts in 1/5 of the world’s computer hard drives; the composite wings and fuselage for Airbus; 30% of the world’s aircraft seats; the iconic London double-decker bus, today powered by hydrogen; and 40% of the world’s mobile crushing and screening machines for the global construction industry.
Our life science innovations shape tomorrow’s health care. And our tech know-how is building the future of fintech, cyber security and data analytics.
AN INDUSTRY LEADER
Northern Ireland has expertise across a range of industries, including digital technologies like fintech, cyber security and AI; advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace and materials handling; the creative industries; life and health sciences; and a wide range of professional services.
The region is the number one international investment location for U.S. cyber security firms, and the world’s top region for fintech inward investment. Capital city Belfast is Europe’s leading FDI destination for new software development. (Source: Financial Times fDi Markets 2020)
A BOOMING ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The region’s television and film industry is thriving, due in large part to the success of shows like Game of Thrones, The Fall and Derry Girls. Northern Ireland’s iconic and unforgettable landscape has made the region a top destination for filmmakers and studios from around the world, including heavy hitters like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount Pictures and Focus Features. Titanic Studios and Belfast Harbour Studios continue to invest in their facilities to meet increasing demand.
How We Can Help
The Bureau works with agencies like Invest Northern Ireland as well as the region’s eleven local councils throughout the year to identify opportunities for trade and investment, and establish mutually-beneficial partnerships with companies operating in North America. We achieve this by:
- Maintaining an extensive North American business network;
- Monitoring key political and policy developments of interest to the Northern Ireland and North American business communities;
- Supporting trade missions to the United States and Canada; and
- Facilitating visits to Northern Ireland