01 / Introduction

Stormont is back. The restoration of power-sharing at Northern Ireland’s assembly in January, some three years after its suspension, will unlock much-needed investment in the province’s services and infrastructure, while also adding momentum to its economic growth. Brexit trade deals – backstop debates notwithstanding – may herald further opportunities, given Northern Ireland’s unique physical, constitutional and legislative position between the UK mainland and the EU. 

Northern Ireland has always been a place to get things done, political deadlock or not. Global operators such as Citigroup and PwC run significant operations here. Deloitte, already a major presence in Belfast, has just announced a move to the £85m Bedford Square development on the site of the historic Ewart Building upon its completion next year and expects its staff numbers to exceed 1,000 by 2022. Capita already employs around 1,300 people across the region.

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