Above average growth

From 1994-2004, the economy experienced growth of + 71.7%, growing at around + 0.2% per annum faster than the UK average, whilst manufacturing output has risen by 47% during this period.

The famous Samson and Goliath cranes at Harland and Wolff

• Manufacturing exports are worth £4.5 billion and account for one third of the region’s total manufacturing sales - compared to one quarter 10 years ago.
• The economy is moving from a traditional manufacturing base to a service led, outward looking, and knowledge-based economy with the flourishing services sector contributing almost 73% to gross value added.
• Its growth rate has been stronger than the UK as a whole.  
• Significant resources are being channelled into improving productivity through innovation, enterprise, skills and infrastructure.  
• Benefiting from the strengths of the UK economy and its low interest and low inflation rates, Northern Ireland is an attractive, competitive location to do business.