EY to create 1,000 jobs in Northern Ireland as major investment summit opens

Professional services firm EY will create 1,000 jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years, the British government announced on Wednesday ahead of an event aimed at attracting global investors to the region.

The Northern Ireland Investment Summit, which will draw 200 international delegates to Belfast, was set up to encourage foreign investment following the Windsor Framework post-Brexit deal, agreed in February.

EY will establish a new regional hub in Northern Ireland, the government said.

Britain’s business and trade ministry also announced funding for several local firms to develop green technologies. Local businesses Catagen, Terex, Wrightbus and Artemis will receive millions in funding.

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Suzanne Wylie, CEO of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, welcomed EY's investment announcement.

“It is especially encouraging to see new roles created in areas such as cyber-security, AI and data analytics, specialisms which we know Northern Ireland has growing strengths in,” Ms Wylie said.

Around 200 investors from across the world including the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific will attend the summit on Wednesday which aims to turbocharge inward investment into Northern Ireland.

Hosted by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the Northern Ireland Office and Invest Northern Ireland alongside local partners and Citi, Wednesday’s summit aims to encourage new investment into Northern Ireland by showcasing companies and opportunities in its sectors of expertise.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said the summit would result in long-lasting global relationships for the region.

“Hundreds of investors from around the globe will today experience first-hand the expertise, innovation and unique opportunities that Northern Ireland has to offer,” he said.

“The productive, global relationships built in this room today will benefit Northern Ireland businesses and communities for years to come.

“I’m proud that Northern Ireland’s rich potential is being boosted by UK government funding. This summit is a fitting celebration of Northern Ireland’s bright future during the 25th anniversary year of the Belfast [Good Friday] Agreement.”

Political speakers at the event include UK Secretary of State for Business & Trade Kemi Badenoch, Mr Heaton-Harris, and UK Housing and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove.

A range of industry experts will also be offering their perspective, such as David Livingstone, chief executive officer for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Citi. - Reuters/PA