EY set to create 500 jobs in North

The rise of Belfast as a financial services hub continues with the announcement that accountancy and consultancy firm EY is to create nearly 500 jobs over four years.

The 486 jobs will see the number of EY employees in Belfast treble. The roles will be focused on providing assurance and advisory services to EY’s domestic and international clients and help the firm in achieving its increasing market share while maintaining cost control.

Managing partner EY Ireland Mike McKerr said that the support of the Northern Ireland development agency, Invest Northern Ireland, had been key in their decision to choose Belfast.

“We are delighted to bring this investment to Belfast which will further enhance our current service offering to clients. As a global company with a presence in more than 150 countries, we continually evaluate the best locations for expansion to ensure maximum productivity and growth. We have been working closely with Invest Northern Ireland for some time on this project and their support and advice has been instrumental in EY’s decision to locate this project in Belfast.”

The North’s first minister, Peter Robinson, said the North had beaten off stiff competition and will benefit from the £19m in annual salaries that the jobs will bring.

“Alternative global locations were considered by the company, so securing these high-quality jobs has been a real coup. This announcement sends an unambiguous message to international investors to have confidence in Northern Ireland as a competitive location from which to grow their business.”

Mr McKerr said that jobs were key to improving the economy across the whole island of Ireland and that EY had added 180 new people to its head count on the island in the last year.

“It’s equally promising to see that client confidence is returning as the all-island economy shows signs of growth generating more employment opportunities, so vital to recovery.”