Building on the region’s rich industrial heritage Northern Ireland’s economy continues to perform well in the current economic climate. The unemployment rate currently stands at 6.9 per cent, slightly above the UK average, but below the Republic of Ireland and EU averages. Outside of London, Northern Ireland is the leading UK region for attracting inward investment. Belfast is the world’s top destination city for financial services technologies investments. This success has led to over 800 international companies employing in excess of 75,000 people. Expenditure on research and development, and levels of entrepreneurship are on the rise.

Northern Ireland’s excellent business credentials are supported by strong and resilient infrastructure. The region has the highest availability of superfast broadband in the UK and there are almost 30 daily flights to London and a daily direct connection to New York. Belfast is only one hour from London by air and two hours from Dublin by rail and road.

http://www.investni.com/invest-in-northern-ireland/our-economy/key-facts-and-figures.html