The latest report from the UKTI trade body reveals that Northern Ireland outperformed the rest of the UK in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) last year.

Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest Northern Ireland, said: “Northern Ireland saw growth of 32% year on year in the number of FDI projects reported.

When you compare this to England with 11% growth, Scotland with 10% and Wales with 18%, it is a great result and a testament to the hard work that has gone into developing our offering to investors.

“We are competing against much larger countries, and indeed regions, across Europe to attract investors, so it is therefore important that we continue to build on our strengths, to present a positive and supportive image to potential investors and to work together to sell Northern Ireland internationally.

“According to the UKTI, each investment in Northern Ireland is estimated to have created or safeguarded 77 jobs — this compares to an average of 63 jobs for the UK as a whole, and 44 in London. This should be seen as a positive and a great success for everyone.”