Northern Ireland

Key facts

Key facts

• Population 1.76 million

– Fastest growing population in the UK

– Europe’s youngest population 60%

under the age of 40

• Travel to work population

– Belfast 700,000 +

– Derry 300,000 +

• Unemployment 6%

• Latest Northern Ireland economic overview:

http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-stats-index/

deti-stats-index-2.htm

Working age population in Northern Ireland

Age band Number of people

15-19 126,577

20-24 132,880

25-29 122,049

30-34 113,294

35-39 126,045

40-44 131,333

45-49 62,734

50-54 107,691

55-59 96,471

60-64 91,369

Total 1,110,443

Source: NISRA, March 2010

Source: NISRA, March 2010

Employee jobs – September 2009

Industry Section (SIC 2007)No of people

employed

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 12,360

Mining and quarrying 1,770

Manufacturing 74,090

Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply 2,190

Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities

4,460

Construction 35,840

Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles 124,760

Transport and storage 24,840

Accommodation and food service activities 41,310

Source: NISRA, March 2010

Employee jobs – September 2009(continued)

Industry Section (SIC 2007)No of people

employed

Information and communication 15,410

Financial and insurance activities 18,530

Real Estate Activities 6,210

Professional, scientific and technical activities 23,690

Administrative and support service activities 38,250

Public administration and defence: compulsory social security 58,900

Education 71,170

Human health and social work activities 117,140

Arts, entertainment and recreation 13,760

Other service activities 13,170

Total 697,870

Investors who have benefited from setting up in Northern Ireland

Highly educated and skilled workforce

Education and skills – GCSE results

In 2009, 75% of Northern Ireland students achieved Grades A* - C compared to the UK average of 67%

75%

67%Northern Ireland

UK Average

Education and skills – A and AS Level results

In 2009, 35% of Northern Ireland students achieved A Grade compared to the UK average of 27%

35%

27%

Northern Ireland

UK Average

Further & higher education

World-renowned universities, working closely with industry:

Queen’s University Belfast• Member of The Russell Group

University of Ulster• Awarded ‘Excellent’ (perfect score)

by HE Quality Assurance Agency

6 Major Further Education Colleges• Specialising in vocational education,

including Belfast Metropolitan College• Awarded ‘Excellent’ (perfect score)

by HE Quality Assurance Agency

Skills initiativesThe opportunity for companies, government and academia to collaborate in designing bespoke training programmes ensures a continuous pipeline of skilled and relevant talent in Northern Ireland.

Advanced Diploma in Contact Centre ManagementThis one-year part-time programme has been developed by Invest NI, in conjunction with Parity and the University of Ulster, for those wanting to work in management roles within a business services centre.

The Academy of Finance This two year programme is offered by Belfast Metropolitan College and is part of the Career Academies UK. The course combines academic modules with work placement, mentoring and support for students aged 16 and over.

Abbey School Leaver ProgrammeThis initiative has been launched by Abbey, with support from Invest Northern Ireland and will target new Abbey employees, primarily school leavers, helping to develop their financial services skills through a four-year structured career progression programme. The programme has been developed in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Banking and will result in Abbey staff receiving a formally recognised financial services qualification, as well as Chartered Banker Status.

Students at Northern Ireland universities 2008 / 2009

Subject No. of students

Computer Science 2,420

Engineering & Technology 2,872

Economics & Maths 658

Business & Administration 6,964

Languages 442

Law 2213

TOTAL 13,391

Source: HESA, March 2010

Enrolments at Northern Ireland FE colleges 2008 / 2009

Subject No. of students

Science & Mathematics 8,294

ICT 12,905

Languages, Literature & Culture 13,510

Business Administration & Law 11,713

TOTAL 46,422

Source: DEL, March 2010

Accounting skillsThe following accounting professional bodies have active members in NI

• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, Ulster Society [ACA] • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [ACCA]• Institute of Accounting Technicians Ireland [IATI]• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants [CIMA]

Professional bodies memberships for Northern Ireland:

ACA ACCA IATI CIMA Total

2400 570 1075 862 4907

Cost of living

157.10

170.70168.50

158.90

96.10 100.00 107.00 111.90 115.90 117.20129.30

133.90 138.20 143.60

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• Northern Ireland will be among the

first to operate and experience high

speed, next generation services

with a new 40-gigabyte per second

transatlantic and terrestrial

telecommunications link between

Northern Ireland, North America

and Europe.

• This will provide a secure, reliable

service and deliver prices up to

20% below those in London,

Dublin, Manchester and Glasgow.

ConnectivityNational & International

Flight connections within the British Isles

DestinationNumber of flights per week

Glasgow 63

Edinburgh 36

Jersey 18

Leeds/Bradford 26

Birmingham 38

Manchester 46

Cardiff 14

London Gatwick 47

London Heathrow 75

London Stansted 54

London Luton 28

Isle of Man 30

Cork 11

Dublin 14

International Air Connections from Northern Ireland

www.investni.com/invest