in relative terms, Northern Ireland is quite a small area, accounting for about a sixth of the whole island or 14,139 sq km. Its diminutive size brings with it certain advantages - there is less traffic and less congestion, for instance, as well as more open areas and unspoilt country and coast. Roads are good, the residential property market is booming but still affordable and the range of leisure and shopping options is excellent.

Add in generous levels of financial assistance, a pro business climate and a committed population determined to achieve success, and it's easy to see why it's a good place to locate a business.

[CASE STUDY]
Citigroup

The world’s largest financial services company, Citigroup, set up a technology centre of excellence in Belfast just over a year ago. It will create up to 375 jobs and contribute some £65 million to the local economy over the first five years.

Bill Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup’s Global Corporate and Investment Bank, said: “Citigroup has ambitious growth plans which depend on developing the technology platforms supporting each of our business areas. The Belfast Centre will play a significant role in this, enhancing our cost competitive position and offering us the opportunity to grow resource levels quickly.