Talk the talk

Invest Northern Ireland director Trevor Killen talks to David Clerkin.

Is it fair to describe Invest NI as Northern Ireland's answer to the IDA and Enterprise Ireland?

We're the single business development agency in the North. We cover inward investment, development of existing businesses, new start-ups, exporters and training.

Where did Invest NI come from?

Invest NI was set up in April 2002 and brought together the old Industrial Development Board and the Local Enterprise Development Unit. We've 10 sales offices worldwide, in North America, Asia and Europe and one in Dublin.

What has Northern Ireland got to offer southern businesses looking to establish a presence up there?

Our most important asset is our people and we've a very well-educated talent pool. We've got two universities that produce over 3,000 graduates every year. 1,000 of these have pure software degrees.

Any other selling points?

We've an advantage in terms of labour and operating costs and also have very good infrastructure, especially in telecoms. There's also the proximity the border is only an hour from Dublin airport since the new M1 motorway was completed.

The Republic has targeted pharmaceuticals and IT. What sectors are you hoping to focus on?

We hope to attract companies involved in software and information technology, business shared services, biotechnology, healthcare and medical devices, electronics and telecoms.

What advantages does Northern Ireland have over the Republic or Britain?

Businesses locating here don't have to apply to a multitude of agencies for help, because we're the single agency. The North offers substantial grants to cover employment, training and premises, as well as research and development assistance.

How big a factor is the North not being part of the eurozone?

It's not a major factor. Most operations we deal with are expansions of existing businesses active in the Republic. When they go north, the only real question is the risk of currency fluctuations on labour costs. The sterling/euro rate has been very stable and is likely to remain so.

What big successes have Invest NI had so far?

Our most significant successes would include a deal with Diageo. They've set up a major £40 million plant to produce Bailey's Irish Cream here. We've also signed up Quinn Direct for an insurance centre in Enniskillen and have plenty of big projects in the pipeline.