Northern Ireland has spent over £1bn during the past 10 years in order to transform Belfast into an exciting economic destination. And the investment has already yielded significant results. Nowadays, Belfast has a reputation of an innovative, high-tech city, draws millions of pounds of investment from all over the world and continuously wins awards as one of the best cities in the UK. Today, a transformed Belfast manages to outrun other cities in the UK in terms of innovative technologies, fast-paced growing economy and the number of R&D companies. Alongside a strong service sector scene, 35% of Belfast’s economy depends on industrial productions that garnish the outskirts of the city. Textile, heavy machinery, food processing and many more industries make up an important share of the local budget. Belfast was one of the pioneering cities that experienced a rise of new business models with at-home entrepreneurs, digital nomads, freelancers, etc. Maybe that’s why the city boasts such a variety of virtual offices as well as the fastest internet connection in Western Europe.
Of course, the city’s economic success wouldn’t be possible without a suitable infrastructure of high-quality commercial property, educational establishments, great transportation network and a diverse business scene.