Delegation tells London investors of burgeoning opportunies in Belfast

Belfast is the only choice for commercial property investment of any region in the UK or Ireland, a delegation of senior Northern Ireland business representatives has told some of City of London’s biggest investors.

It offers the highest return on investment, has burgeoning occupier demand and is best placed to take advantage of the unique position Northern Ireland will command in the run up to and after Brexit.

Made up of current property investors and representatives from indigenous Northern Ireland companies and inward investors, as well as senior figures from across the public sector, the delegation made a compelling case for investment in the city.

They told an audience of investors from throughout the London investment community that some of the world’s biggest global companies – such as Citi, Allstate and Tullet Prebon – have major European bases in Belfast having reinvested on multiple occasions.

Held at law firm Pinsent Mason’s headquarters in London and supported by the law firm and CBRE, investors heard about the high level of demand for office accommodation in Belfast, its world-renowned tech sector, blossoming tourism industry and – the reason cited by most inward investors as a reason to commit – its steady flow of highly skilled talent from a globally revered education system.

The delegation also revealed the benefits which will flow from the Belfast Region City Deal, one which will deliver 22 integrated projects underpinned by investment in employability and skills and which will significantly increase GVA and create up to 20,000 new and better jobs across the region.

Brian Lavery, CBRE Northern Ireland Managing Director, said: “We have proven to investors time and again that Belfast is a profitable investment opportunity and many of our clients have benefited from its success over the last few years. There are a number of initiatives – such as the Belfast Region City Deal - which mean the city is primed for further sustained growth in the future and now, more than ever, is the time to commit.”

Andrea McIlroy-Rose, Partner and Head of the Belfast Office at Pinsent Masons, said: “We have witnessed the transformation of Belfast as a destination of choice for inward investors during the last few years. We have been delighted by the interest in this event and I have no doubt that our guests tonight will have been impressed by the vision for the city and the potential it offers for development.”

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, said: “We have come to London boasting a bold confidence in the future prosperity of Belfast. From the strongest commercial property yields, an increasing demand for space from a wide range of occupiers, and a pipeline of inward investors which rivals some of the biggest cities in the world, Belfast can be proud of its growing reputation and proven track record of delivering for investors.

“I can say confidently that Belfast has the most compelling investment proposition of any other city or region. I look forward to welcoming new investors we have met tonight to Belfast in the very near future, and can guarantee you will be impressed by what we have to offer.”