Belfast is a city full of ambition, optimism, and above all, energy. As a talented, competitive and connected city, we’re the second fastest growing knowledge economy in the UK, with excellent digital infrastructure and thriving clusters of high growth companies. It’s no wonder that 75% of businesses that locate in Belfast choose to re-invest. So choose Belfast, and spark success..
Why Belfast? Download booklet
City of Talent
Belfast is a city brimming with talent.
We’re one of the youngest cities in Europe with 41% of our population under 30 years of age. Our schools, colleges and universities rival the best in the world. In fact, Northern Ireland was the top performing region in the UK for GCSEs and A levels in 2017. 48,900 students study at our two main universities and our young, productive workforce provides a strong talent pool for investors across a range of sectors. With two universities, and other renowned educational facilities, its little wonder Belfast is seen as a young city full of possibility, knowledge and ambition.
Innovation in our DNA
Innovation is part of Belfast’s DNA. From our history of shipbuilding to advanced engineering, Belfast is a city of creators and inventors.
Our researchers are tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. From innovation in the legal sector to ground-breaking cancer research, Belfast is home to global research centres of excellence and supporting high growth clusters. Belfast is a world-leading hub for cybersecurity and FinTech. Our creative companies are also making their mark globally. And as a result of a pipeline bursting with talent; pioneering research and innovation; and secure and resilient infrastructure, global companies like Allstate, Citi and Baker McKenzie have chosen to set up, and grow, in Belfast.
Urban innovation is at the core of our city. Through our Smart Belfast framework, we’re turning Belfast into a ‘living laboratory’ and harnessing our city’s talent pool, creativity and technical infrastructure to build innovative solutions that address city challenges and support our city’s future growth.
Well Connected
Belfast is a super-connected city – both in terms of location and infrastructure.
Belfast is ideally situated between Europe and the US. It is well connected by road, rail, air and sea. London is one hour by air and Dublin is two hours by road or rail. Belfast has 2 international airports within 30 minutes of the city centre.
Northern Ireland has the highest availability of superfast broadband and 4G connectivity in the UK. It also benefits from the fastest direct broadband link from Europe to North America. High speed connectivity has helped attract some of the world’s leading companies to Belfast and one of the factors behind the phenomenal growth of knowledge industries in the city.
Belfast – Capital of Northern Ireland
City population – 339,500
Belfast region population – 1 million
Population with degree level education or higher – 33%
GVA per head – £48,490
For more information see our Invest In Belfast site and Invest Northern Ireland