SBP Final

32 Focus On A Special 4-Page Report The Sunday Business Post
June25,2017
BELFAST - UK location of choice?
Queen's University has
approximately 25,000 students

City Hall, at the heart
of Belfast

A new Agenda
for a vibrant city

The Belfast Agenda sets out the future for the Northern
capital, a place that’s developing a confident swagger all
of its own, writes Graham Clifford
There comes a time
when every city has Belfast is seen now as a young city Culture Night
to embrace its past to full of possibility, knowledge and Duke of York, Belfast
shape its future. Bel- ambition. Picture: Elaine Hill
fast has lived many
lives, and seen more Nowhere is that ambition seen for Belfast to use a real partner-
vibrancy and heart- more clearly than in the Belfast ship with the government and NI
ache than most. But it’s developed Agenda – a community plan out- Executive to build on its strengths the Future to the invention of air 2017 were other Belfast restau-
a resilience and a determination to lining a new draft vision for Belfast, and become a modern, dynamic conditioning at Belfast’s Sirocco rants James Street South, Deanes
succeed, to grow and to revitalise, setting out the long-term objectives city-region.” Works. It is planned to use Belfast’s at Queens and Home on Welling-
throwing open its arms to wel- sought in the city by 2035. strength in immersive technologies ton Place.
come the world. Belfast is a city The City Deal is crucial for Bel- and multimedia to tell the city’s
on the rise. Created by key city partners, fast’s future aims which include many stories. Indeed, Home’s story ties in very
Today, the friendly, energetic and residents and community organ- revitalisingpartsof the city. Indeed, much with the evolution and op-
lively city on the Lagan is devel- isations the Belfast Agenda sets in times past many buildings were And it’s a vitally important story portunistic realities present on the
oping a confident swagger fuelled our clear aspirations for its city. left unused – now it’s time to put that the world needs to hear – now streets of Belfast today. It started
by a collective can-do-attitude and It wants it to be “beautiful, well them to work for the good of ev- more than ever – of how commu- life as a pop-up restaurant in an
an influx of youth and dynamism. connected and culturally vibrant, a eryone in Belfast. And with some nication and the hand of friend- off-the-beaten track location in
There’s a buzz on the streets of the city shared and loved by its people ambition, investment and vision, ship can help heal divisions and Belfast city centre in 2011, but so
Northern capital. and admired around the world. It the sky’s the limit. establish a lasting peace, despite well-received was its culinary of-
It has, of course, always had the will be a producer of, and magnet challenges on all sides. fering that it eventually had to find
‘cool’ gene. The tricks, shimmies for, talent, investment, innovation It’s also intended that an Em- a permanent home, which it did
and dancing feet of George Best and creativity – a compassionate ployment and Skills Board will be The transformation which has in its current location close to the
were learned on the streets of this place where people create value established, and that there will be a taken place in the city, and across stunning City Hall.
great city. Belfast, much like Best, and are valued”. reduction in educational inequality. the North, over the last two de-
doesn’t seek to follow but to lead. cades means that a new generation For those who wish to eat and
At least one festival is held in As a result of Local Government There are also plans, with some only knows peace. In that environ- drink well, Belfast is something of
Belfast for every week of the year, reform, Belfast City Council is now already well in motion, to improve ment, the most unexpected and a taster’s paradise, complemented
attracting visitors from across the responsible for community plan- the city’s transport infrastructure welcomed developments occur. by top-class entertainment and
globe. ning in the city and this Agenda and to work on a further world- lively bars. But if it’s calmness and
These range from the Respect aims to encapsulate all the aspira- class attraction to entice even more Like how Belfast’s massive Paint cosiness you want, the city is full of
Belfast Human Rights Film Festival tions and opinions of all communi- people into the heart of Belfast. Hall Studios, itself a historic build- quiet corners in welcoming cafes
in March to the Belfast Craft Beer ties so as to influence policy, plan- ing in the Titanic Quarter, became where you can disappear as the
Festival in May, the Maritime Fes- ning and the direction of strategy. Leading tourist attraction the home of the hugely popular rain clouds gather over the island’s
tival in June and the Belly Laughs Game of Thrones. Once the main North-Eastern Corner – fingers
Belfast Comedy Festival in October. Among the ambitions set down Titanic Belfast was, of course, Harland and Wolff painting hall, wrapped around a hot brew with
And the city’s live music and The Titanic Quarter is a hit in the Belfast Agenda is that the crowned the World’s Leading the studio is now forever linked eyes on your book of choice.
city will be home to an additional Tourist Attraction at the prestigious with the HBO fantasy series which
entertainment scene has hardly with visitors to the city 70,000 people by 2035; that the ur- World Travel Awards last year. Tim got more than 25 million viewers While you’re snug, spare a
been more vibrant. Venues such ban economy will support 50,000 Husbands, chief executive of Ti- per episode in the US during its thought for those giving it their
as the Black Box on Hill Street in more jobs; that there will be a 50 tanic Belfast, said on receiving the sixth season. all on the city’s sports fields – of
the Cathedral Quarter (housed in a per cent reduction in the life-ex- award: “We are delighted that this which there are many. In keeping
Grade II listed building), the Lime- pectancy gap between neighbour- award firmly shines a spotlight not Game of Thrones-themed tours with the city’s healthy living and
light and the Belfast Empire Music thestoneunderfoot.Becausewords 25,000studentsatitsmaincampus hoods and that every young person only on Titanic Belfast but Belfast have now become big business in eating ethos, amenities both public
Hall welcome some of the world’s are timeless – just like Belfast. covering University Road, Univer- leaving school will have a “desti- and Northern Ireland, and cele- Belfast. Even Tourism Ireland has and private are plentiful to help the
most exciting acts. It’s now a centre of the arts, a sity Square and Stranmillis Road, nation that fulfils their potential”. brates our authentic insight and jumped on the bandwagon, and it population exercise and live well.
With a booming nightlife, Bel- blank canvas of expression, and as well as the associated colleges connection to RMS Titanic.” estimated that its Game of Thrones
fast has become an international it attracts a youthful audience and of St Mary’s and Stranmillis which To achieve these targets, the city tourism strategy reached approx- Belfast is a sports-mad city, as
destination of choice for revellers talented local performers. The cre- are also located in Belfast. launched a major bid for a City Deal Since opening five years ago, the imately 61 million people last year epitomised by the colourful scenes
thanks to its impressive array of ative arts is thriving here. As well as its ranking as one in the House of Commons last No- Titanic Belfast has welcomed more alone. of celebration on the city streets last
vibrant,diverseandcolourfulpubs, So it’s little wonder that Belfast of the very best universities in vember. than 3.5 million visitors from 145 summer as Northern Ireland made
clubs and music venues. Bars such city,alongwithDerryandStrabane Britain, Queen’s is located in a countries and, according to its chief With 2.1 million overseas visitors it through to the second round of
as Alibi, in the Queen’s Quarter, council, will bid to become the Eu- student-friendly city which was Belfast is seeking to take control executive, is “changing the tourism making their way to the North in Euro 2016 in France.
serves bourbon with a twist, while ropean Capital of Culture in 2023. recognised as having the lowest of the city’s transformation in the footprint of Northern Ireland”. 2016, a 6 per cent increase on 2015,
there’s live jazz on offer at Bert’s Because it’s finding a way, with cost of living in Britain by the Mer- same way Cardiff and Glasgow the need to cater for such a tourism Earlier this year, the city played
jazz bar and restaurant seven- all stakeholders working closely cer’s2014WorldwideCostofLiving secured additional funding and In 2016, more than 82 per cent of surge is intrinsic. host to the 2017 World Ice Hockey
nights-a-week on High Street. together, to integrate innovation survey and the 2015 Student Living the devolution of key functions Titanic visitors were from outside Championship. Later in the sum-
with creativity to build a sustain- Index. through bespoke ‘city deals’ from the North, while more than 40 per Culinary offerings mer, from August 22 to 26, Belfast
A literary heart able Belfast – a city people love to And the development of Ulster the British government. cent of all visitors said they were will also stage the 2017 Women’s
And on long summer’s evenings in live in, learn in and grow in. University’s campus in the city (at visiting the region solely to visit In recent years, there’s been a Rugby World Cup semi-finals and
the city’s Cathedral Quarter, this The emergence of tech clus- an overall cost of £250 million) can City deals see government and the tourist facility. growth in the number of hotels final, with locals keeping their fin-
charming area epitomises a re- ters in Belfast means more young cater for 15,000 students and will the private sector partnering to and guest houses in the city and gers crossed that Ireland can claim
turned confidence as visitors and businesses and their employees add a further injection of youth deliver transformative urban and Titanic Belfast generated almost with quality and value being the silverware on home turf. Also, of
locals alike soak up the city buzz. are sampling the delights of the and vigour to Belfast. regional growth. In Cardiff, the £110 million in additional tourism cornerstones of good tourism, Bel- course, the redeveloped Casement
Itwasonce,ofcourse,theliterary city for the first time and adding Situated near the Cathedral city deal amounted to £1.2 billion spend for the local economy in its fast hasn’t been found wanting. GAA Park and the IRFU’s King-
heart of Belfast with the Northern to it themselves. Quarter, the Ulster University in infrastructure related invest- first three years in operation, and span Stadium (formerly known
Whig, a popular satirical 19th-cen- International investment is (Belfast) campus spans an in- ment, delivering 25,000 new jobs has served as an anchor project for On the contrary, the culinary of- as Ravenhill) were included in Ire-
tury newspaper, based on the cor- about more than just jobs and creasing and exciting range of alongside getting an additional £4 the wider development of the Ti- ferings in the city can now compare land’s bid to host the men’s Rugby
ner of Waring Street and Bridge revenue growth – it’s also a way subjects including architecture, billion of private sector investment tanic Quarter, contributing to more favourably with cities of similar, World Cup in 2023.
Street, and the Belfast Central Li- of selling Belfast across the globe. hospitality, event management, in the region. hotels as well as commercial and and larger, size on the continent.
brary building and headquarters Housing, inevitably, is an issue, photographyanddigitalanimation. residential developments. The determination of the peo-
of local newspapers all close by.  but over time more developments Its award-winning Law Clinic is A Belfast City Region Deal, which Indeed, Belfast has not one, but ple of Belfast has carried them
The literary influence still en- are coming on stream and derelict based at the Belfast campus, while has cross-party support, could help Now there are plans to create two Michelin-starred restaurants: through difficult times in the past.
dures. The popular pub The John buildings are being converted into its School of Art and Design boasts capture the city’s significant po- another attraction based on the Ox on the city’s Oxford Street and Now, having fanned the flames of
HewittisnamedafteralocalBelfast apartments to cater for a growing two Turner Prize winners and a tential, enable major regeneration story of Belfast to benefit the city Deanes Eipic on Howard Street. growth, innovation and a return to
poet and Writer’s Square, imme- population. further five Turner Prize nominees projects, transform public services, centre. It’s envisioned that the busting economic activity, this is a
diately opposite the beautiful St Ambassadors for the city can be among its alumni and staff. deliver economic growth and close visitor experience will chronicle Ox, spearheaded by chefs Ste- city on the move forwards.
Anne’s Cathedral, celebrates Bel- found in many realms, including at With two such universities in the the gap in inequality across the city. Belfast’s dramatic evolution from phen Toman and Alain Kerloc’h,
fast’s literary past with quotations Queen’s University, which opened city, and other renowned educa- It would also see major investment its days of industrial might in the has received umpteen awards and Not only has it embraced its
fromfamouslocalwriterscarvedin in 1849 and today has around tional facilities, it’s little wonder in the city from central government linen and shipbuilding industries, earned rave reviews since first past to shape its future, but it has
coffers, as well as leveraging fund- beyond the Troubles, to catalogue opening its doors in Belfast in 2013. sought to harness the energies it
ing from the private sector. its many inventions and creations, took to make peace to build a vi-
from the DeLorean car, manufac- At Deanes Eipic, Danni Barry brant, cool and energetic Belfast
Seen as a necessary condition tured in Belfast in the 1980s and is one of an elite group of female for future generations to come: a
for renewal, the City Deal would made famous in the film Back to Michelin-starred chefs, and is only city rich in history and richer still
help Belfast become even more the second female chef ever in Ire- in potential.
competitive and increase revenue land to gain a star.
generation. In the city’s bid, it is
claimed: “The potential is there Taking a prestigious ‘Bib Gour-
mand’ in the Michelin guide for

The Sunday Business Post Focus On: BELFAST – UK location of choice? 33
June25,2017

Why it’s the right time to look at Belfast

Graham Clifford reports on
why, as the dust settles from
Brexit, Belfast is becoming
an increasingly attractive
proposition for businesses to
Abase themselvessweallwait
to see what of being distinct to Belfast and
form Brex- inherently cool. Their move
it will take has been further facilitated by
and how it landlords who have agreed to
will affect assist with the delivery of their
CAT B fit-out to allow capital to
our entire be focused on further growth
island, there’s an acceptance and expansion.
ofmanyuncertainties.Butone Invest NI job announce-
thing we can be sure of is that ments have come thick and
whethera‘hard’or‘soft’Brexit fast in the wake of Brexit and
is negotiated, the border be- thesubsequentelections,with
tweentheNorthandtheSouth FundsAxisFintechcreating29
will also become a European new jobs and Redline Trading New Transport Hub - 2021
Union frontier. Solutions announcing that it
The signs are very positive, too had chosen Belfast for the
and the prospect of a return location of a new global sup-
to the pre-ceasefire manned port centre with the creation
border is growing increasingly of another 20 jobs.
unlikely. Inevitably, though, Japanese firm Rakuten, a
there will be challenges to leading e-commerce and fin-
overcome for the North, but tech company, recently com-
so many opportunities too. mitted to setting up a software
“This can be an exciting developmentcentreinBelfast,
time for the entire region, and creating another 20 positions;
especially Belfast, as the eco- while Unosquare Software
nomic engine of the North. In Development Outsourcing
recent years, the city has seen will create another 100 new
an upsurge in development, jobs.
in consumer confidence and Indeed, the growth in FDI
foreigndirectinvestmenthere, fromfintechandcybersecuri-
and we’re confident that will ty companies has become one Simon McEvoy,
continue with new opportu- of the marked developments Head of Office Agency at Savills in Belfast
nities,” said Simon McEvoy, in Belfast’s recent economic Picture: Arthur Allison
Head of Office Agency at Sav- growth.
ills in Belfast. It’s hoped that companies
Indeed, more focus has such as these will be able to
been shone on the city by Irish expand and grow over the
and international companies coming years. the city, with the exception tors we’re at the beginning of will be the only part of Britain doing business in the city to be “Few cities have endured as
which have their European To facilitate and attract new of City Quays, were pre-let or an upturn in the cycle. The city with a land border with the sensible and straightforward. much as Belfast and come out
headquarters south of the business, Belfast has been pre-sold, reflecting the levels has enormous potential, and European Union, so logisti- That’s a major selling point in the other side stronger and as
border and who already serve building and renovating to of demand. the levels of reinvestment by cally it is the obvious place of comparison with other inter- dynamic,” he said.
the British market. Now, with producebothcommercialand companies already based here choice for companies in Ire- national cities.”
Brexit,theywillrequireasister residential property. The draft Belfast Agenda show how well it’s worked for land to set up a second base “There’s a resilience and a
base in Britain. Demand, of course, is high outlines an objective to de- them and is the best commen- to facilitate trade to the British The wide variety of sectors determination to succeed. The
“With Belfast just 90 min- and there’s a need for addi- liver 1.5 million sq ft of Grade dation a city can get,” said Si- market.” which are thriving in Belfast fundamentals are very strong
utes from Dublin and on the tional Grade A office space, A office space by 2021. The city mon McEvoy. sends a positive message to from a skills, location, taxation
same island, it’s the logical but there have been many has seen an McEvoy also said that there investors that, despite any and infrastructural point of
location for a base to work positive developments on that Last week, Belfast City upsurge in Citigroup is the perfect ex- is a can-do attitude in the uncertainty in the political view.
seamlessly for the company score in recent years in terms Council announced a £18.8 development, ample. Located in Belfast’s city with a proactive council sphere, this is a city going
in the Republic. This is evi- of planning and delivery. million City Investment in consumer Gateway Offices in the Ti- which is willing to assist. places. “The cost of living is com-
dent from the upturn in the A Belfast Office Crane Sur- Fund for businesses to en- confidence tanic Quarter, the company paratively low, yet the stan-
number of enquiries received vey carried out by Deloitte for courage the development of and foreign announced at the end of 2014 “When a company is think- When he takes an overview dard of living very high, and
about setting up companion 2017 to measure the volume high-quality office space. direct that it was to invest a further ing of investing or expanding, of where Belfast is at the mo- we believe that once compa-
or satellite offices in Belfast. of development taking place investment £54 million and create an it’s very important that they ment, where it has come from nies open their eyes to what
This trend is expected to pick across central Belfast found The council said it was seek- additional 600 jobs on top of can set up meetings with and where it can get to, Simon Belfast has to offer, they will
up apace as the terms of Brexit that there had been major de- ing to invest in high-quality, erate some 100,000 sq m of the 1,500 jobs it had already planning authorities to dis- McEvoy believes this city and see the merit in investing here
become clearer,” said McEvoy. velopment in areas such as substantial city centre office commercial space alongside provided. cuss their intentions. We’ve region have an incredibly pos- and contributing to our evolv-
developments and has called “significant residential and always found that element of itive story to tell. ing story.”
for expressions of interest amenity space”. The financial services giant
“Invest NI, the regional hospitality. from companies which have set up a technology operation Take Three – a taste of
business development agen- Over the last year, seven secured planning permission It will also feature in Belfast in 2004 and, since the exciting pipeline
cy, has had a very strong 18 hotel developments have for their projects. high-quality residential and then, has made a number of
months in terms of invest- commenced and two hotel leisure space, and will draw reinvestments, expanding
ment. schemes have been completed The council said there were on inspiration from the area’s services to include Opera-
“The region is getting recog- in the city – the Bulitt Hotel at three stages to the process, industrial heritage and geog- tions and Technology, Legal,
nitionforbeingabletoprovide a cost of £4 million (run by with firms asked to submit an raphy, as it was once at the Compliance and Human Re-
highly-skilled graduates who the Beannchor Group which “expression of interest form” heart of Belfast’s prosperous sources.
can meet specific business owns a portfolio of hotels and first, outlining their scheme. linen industry.
demands. News of the posi- restaurants across the city), The deadline for submissions Last year, it was revealed
tive experiences of the early and the expansion of the ex- is August 18. Those shortlisted Another important devel- that Citi was expanding and
adopters has spread thereby isting Ten Square Hotel. More will then be invited to progress opment is Ormeau Baths, a taking over several floors of a
creating a second wave of than 1,000 hotel rooms are to the subsequent stages. collaborative space and tech former Danske Bank six-sto-
demand.” under construction. community based out of an rey building across from Bel-
The North, with Belfast at In addition, the Liver- One of the most exciting de- historic former bath house in fast City Hall.
its heart, has now become pool-based Signature Living velopments in the pipeline is the heart of Belfast.
the number one location in group plans to build five hotels One Bankmore Square on the Meanwhile, plans are ongo-
the world for cyber security in Belfast over the next two Dublin road. Comparable to Dublin’s ing for phase two of the Titanic
inward investment, and also years,includingaGeorgeBest- Dogpatch Labs, the entre- Quarter development to be
the number one global des- themed development. The Richland Group is pro- preneurial campus helps the completed by 2020 and in-
tination for US cyber security Last March, it was con- posing to redevelop the site to brightest and best indigenous clude a further investment of
companies with an eye for in- firmed that Belfast’s Crum- provide a 12-storey building tech start-ups gain access to £395 million to develop office
ternational expansion. lin Road courthouse would comprising 250,000 sq ft of new networks, funding and space, hotels and apartments.
The cyber security compa- be one of the locations to be Grade A office accommoda- expertise and to give them The entire regeneration of
nies Rapid 7, White Hat Se- converted into a hotel. tion, ground floor retail and the tools to flourish in global Titanic Quarter is due to be
curity, IBM, Alert Logic and And there has been massive cafe units and car parking. markets. completed by 2034. Small: the Flat Iron Building Medium: 4- 5 Donegall Large: One Bankmore Square
Proofpointhavebeenfollowed investment in student accom- Square South
to Belfast by two new exciting modation developments as The scheme also proposes Indeed, a key to deliver- In light of all these positive
entrants: Anomali, which an- both Ulster University and a redeveloped public space at ing continued private sector developments, Simon McEvoy Small: the Flat Iron Medium: 4- 5 Donegall Large: One Bankmore
nounced it would be creating Queens University construct Bankmore Square. The total growth in the city is the suc- explained why Belfast is so hot Building Square South Square
120 new jobs with the opening new facilities. Almost 2,500 development cost is estimat- cessful refurbishment of older right now.
of its European Research and bed spaces are under con- ed at approximately £65 mil- buildings – many of which This Victorian building Located on Donegall Square, This 12 storey Grade
Development Labs in Belfast; struction across six develop- lion, with Savills and Lambert have enormous potential and, “International companies pre-dating its New York Belfast's premier business ad- A BREEAM Excellent
and Black Duck Software, ments. Smith Hampton acting as joint due to the compressed deliv- are still looking to Belfast be- namesake is dominantly locat- dress, this 9 storey 78,000 sq development extending to
which announced 58 jobs in Residential property ex- agents. ery time, have the ability of cause of the rich availability of ed at the entrance to Victoria ft Grade A BREEAM Excellent 250,000 sq ft by the Richland
2016 and has already filled a pansion in the city continues meeting immediate demand. graduates here, the competi- Square. Its size is circa 7,500 development by Killultagh Group will be Ireland’s single
significant number of these in an upward trajectory, with The proposed redevel- tive cost of doing business and sq ft. It was purchased earlier Estates , with generous north largest city centre office
posts. 84 residential units built in opment and creation of the “Encouragingly, despite the likelihood that corporation this year by Wirefox, which and south facing terraces on building, with 16,000 -25,000
Savillsisassistingboththese 2016 and more to come on £175 million Belfast Hub will pressures from external fac- tax will be reduced to 12.5 per is redesigning the internal the upper floors will deliver sq ft floorplates and a 8,000
firms in acquiring their new stream this year. serve as a main bus and train cent in the coming years. configuration and specifica- the desired 7,500 -9,000 sq ft sq ft terrace on the 9th floor.
office accommodation in With a strong pipeline of connection for all parts of the tion to provide internally an floorplates. Planning per- Planning permission granted
Belfast, and its focus has been office-start developments to North and the main rail link to “When large corporate gi- inherently cool, modern and mission anticipated summer May 2017 with construction
Dublin – thereby increasing ants like Citi Group, KPMG, funky office building to be 2017 for delivery late 2019. due to commence in Q1 2018
further access to the city. Arthur Cox and others in- available in early 2018. for delivery Q1 2020.
on recently refurbished older come, the survey found that crease their investment, you
buildings that have the benefit in 2016 all new schemes in The Weavers Cross project know they see Belfast as a
being driven by Translink will great place from which to do
see an eight hectare site in the business into the future. And
middle of the city transformed of course, Northern Ireland
over the coming years.

The Hub facility should gen-

Belfast must prepare now to benefit from Brexit opportunities

BY GRAHAM CLIFFORD the world in the years to come. lands where the movement of some of their operations in the twinned business city with decrease further. ment into the city of Belfast
“There’s no doubt about it, trade is so crucially important North, so they have a simple Dublin – just 90 minutes “That could be especially in- and the surrounding region,
John McGrane foresees a huge- John McGrane, director for our respective economies. land border with the EU into away. And let’s not forget it’s John McGrane said he hopes
ly positive future for Belfast – if general of the Irish Chamber the opportunities facing Bel- So Belfast, geographically, is in which they trade,” he said. a city with great access, with viting for companies based in the Northern Ireland Execu-
it can position itself to grasp of Commerce fast now are incredible,” he the ideal position to benefit.” its two airports in Belfast In- Britain where the corporation tive is back up and running
the opportunities presented said. “At the same time, com- ternational Airport and Belfast tax rate could be somewhat before long.
by ongoing political develop- Given its proximity to the panies based not just in the City Airport, the port and M1 higher.
ments. “It must set out its stall to South, and therefore the Euro- South, but in other EU coun- motorway south.” He said: “For every day that
attract as much investment pean Union, McGrane believes tries may well seek out a base “Traditionally, it’s a city of self-managing is suspended
The Director General of the as possible and develop an more businesses will flock to in Belfast, so they can facilitate Of course, there are other business and it still maintains opportunities are lost and
Irish Chamber of Commerce infrastructure on the ground to Belfast conscious of the need their orders to a market in Brit- factors too which stack up in strong historical assets com- wasted. For the interests of
told The Sunday Business Post facilitate growth and more to have a presence in both the ain of 60 million people. Belfast’s favour. pared with rival cities,” said Belfast and Northern Ireland
that, in recent weeks, he had jobs. EU and Britain – he calls it McGrane. it is, of course, very important
become increasingly confident ‘interchangeability’. “It’s hard to believe there “The competitive cost of ac- that the Executive returns and
of the city’s ability to appeal “It now looks more likely is an appetite for a hard iso- tually doing business in Bel- While agencies such as works to attract investment
to businesses from Britain, the that the British government “It’s a two-way thing. Busi- lationist Brexit, so therefore fast is a major selling point, Invest NI, local councils and in Belfast because now is its
European Union and around will favour a ‘soft’ Brexit, nesses based in Britain may Belfast should be best placed but so too is the likelihood that other public and private bodies time.”
which would come as a relief well see the logic in having to benefit as something of a its corporation tax may well are working hard behind the
to businesses across these is- scenes to entice further invest-

34 Focus On: BELFAST – UK location of choice? The Sunday Business Post
June25,2017

Prolonging Belfast’s tech boom

Dubbed the ‘industrial opment eastwards in Belfast,
reinvention’, Belfast’s towards the Titanic quarter
technology sector is there is still so much oppor-
soaring, with 160,000 tunity in the north, south and
jobs predicted by 2030, west of the city. If the right cli-
writes Graham Clifford mate is created, these oppor-
Northern Ire- tunities can become a reality.”
land's knowl- economy across Northern Ire- From left: Gary Steele, chief executive of Proofpoint Inc, software engineer David Saunders, and Alastair Hamilton, chief
edge econo- land. However, the challenge executive of Invest Northern Ireland, at the announcement of 94 new jobs at Proofpoint, based at Weaver Court, Belfast As one of Ireland’s largest
my is growing going forward is to translate Michael Cooper law firms, the Arthur Cox
nearly three these record levels of activity group offers an ‘all-island’
times faster into more jobs, better wages Alastair Todd, partner and nation for US cyber security The word is rity-as-a-Service provider depth of security research tal- perspective. Todd believes
than the rest of Britain, with and higher profits.” head of Property in Arthur companies with an eye for spreading fast launched a local base and ent to meet many of our needs that in the months and years
Belfast driving much of that Cox’s Belfast office international expansion. that when last year announced that it in the near term and in the to come, interest from south
rapid growth. It’s no easy task, but if the it comes had received a further grant future. Invest NI very quickly of the border in establishing a
pace of growth in the tech around the globe to bustling Belfast now has the highest to cyber by Invest Northern Ireland in proved to us that Northern Ire- base in Belfast will grow.
Including indirect jobs, the sector can be maintained Belfast. concentration of cyber secu- security, support of its security research land had both the high-quality
total contribution from the over the coming years, then rity jobs anywhere in Europe Belfast is the and technology development tech professionals to meet our Todd said: “Inevitably with
knowledge economy to the the reputation of Belfast will Earlier this year, Invest – including tech-hubs such place to be centre. The £572,000 grant en- open source security research Brexit there is an element of
region will be 160,000 jobs be further enhanced on the Northern Ireland announced as London, Paris and Berlin. ables the continued growth of needs and an impressive ar- caution in terms of large foot-
by 2030. world stage as a strategic major investments which will Proofpoint which created its Belfast office by supporting ray of cyber security-focused print investment. But certain-
hub where high skills levels, bolster the North’s cyber se- The city is home to an im- nearly 100 jobs following a approximately 90 jobs. businesses that will continue ly, the demand for secondary
Of these, it is predicted that a creative research culture, curity sector. The US-based pressive hub of security ver- £4.5 million investment. to attract more attractive can- space is still there. The con-
80,000 will be high-earning competitive tax rates and cyber security firm Anomali ification and authentication There are so many others didates to the region.” straints on bank lending have
jobs in the tech sector. The cluster development will create 120 new jobs with technology businesses, and Gary Steele, chief execu- too,such as British-headquar- loosened somewhat and we
Huffington Post has called it are all present. the opening of its European the Centre for Secure Infor- tive of Proofpoint, said the tered Cyberlytic, which ap- The word is spreading fast saw strong growth in 2015
an “industrial reinvention”. Research and Development mation Technologies (CSIT) is company’s strategic objec- plied artificial intelligence to across the globe that when it and in the first half of 2016 in
Also, there are Labs in Belfast. a place where top-level aca- tive in Belfast was to broaden combat the most sophisticated comes to cyber security, Bel- particular. Belfast City Council
Indeed, the growth in the significant sup- demic researchers and starts- the distribution and support of web application threats. Cy- fast is to place to be. has to be applauded for the
technology sector in Belfast, ports available The Centre for Secure ups regularly collaborate with networks for its current suite berlytic works closely with the positive role it has played in
and the wider Northern Irish to help grow Information technologies some of the largest US firms of products. CSIT at the Northern Ireland Another critical component stimulating growth, and we’re
economy, has been remark- Belfast and the (CSIT) will generate invest- in the North. Science Park in the Titanic contributing to the continued hopeful that the conditions
able and an envy of other North as a tech- ment of £38.5 million in “We have been very im- Quarter, Belfast. development of the tech sec- are right for companies from
European capitals. nology hub. research and development So crucial has the cyber pressed with the technology tor in the city is the availability outside Britain, including the
which will encourage the security industry become to ecosystem in Northern Ire- Astutely creating the right of top-tier office space and Republic of Ireland, to set up
The Connect Knowledge Professor growth of the cyber security Belfast in recent years that land, which shares many of environment to attract cyber redevelopment land. a base here to cater for their
economy report for 2016 John McCanny, sector here. it’s estimated the sector is on the characteristics of Silicon security companies, the pro- British markets if and when
found that Belfast is boom- director of ECIT course to generate salaries of Valley, including access to vision of adequately skilled Alastair Todd, partner and Brexit occurs.”
ing when it comes to certain (the Institute of The welcome news is fit- £60 million per annum in the world-class cyber-security graduates in the sector is key head of property in Arthur
industry-specific and skilled Electronics, Com- ting as the North is now rec- North. research at Queen’s Univer- to the North’s success. Cox’s Belfast office, believes As well as cyber security,
technological sectors. munications and In- ognised as the number one sity,” he said. there are pockets of the city other tech sectors such as fin-
formation Technology at location in the world for cyber It’s a massive injection WhenMassachusetts-based which are “ripe” for devel- tech are growing in Belfast.
The report found that the Queen’s University), revealed security inward investment to the local economy – and Alert Logic, another Secu- Black Duck Software adver- opment.
Knowledge Economy compa- recently that in the past six (FT fDI Markets 2013-16) and what’s more, Belfast, already tised positions it was seeking With 5,000 graduates each
nies in the North contribute 30 years it has secured over £40 the number one global desti- referred to by some as the ‘cy- to fill in both Boston and in He told The Sunday Business year across a range of relevant
per cent of total exports, with million in research and devel- ber security capital of Europe’, Belfast recently it found that Post: “As cities go, Belfast still disciplines including finance,
70 per cent of their sales out- opment funds to accelerate is only getting warmed up. the Irish city produced five has so much to offer in terms accounting, economics, law
side the EU, bringing a largely the delivery of industrially times as many qualified appli- of available zoned land and and computing, the city is well
Brexit-proof opportunity to relevant cyber security solu- But who are these compa- cants as the US. The company buildings ready for refurbish- placed to develop further as a
expand the economy. tions that will apply world- nies, and what has their im- expects to add almost 60 jobs ment. The positive benefit to hub for fintech and financial
wide across a whole range of pact to the city been? in the North over the next four the entire economy, and the services.
Steve Orr, director of Con- platforms. years. tech sector in particular, could
nect at Catalyst Inc at the next The Cyber Cluster on Lag- be immense if there were an In March, US fintech com-
generation science park on the He said: “Northern Ireland anside includes Rapid7, a Black Duck chief execu- even greater push to make pany Vela reaffirmed its
Queens Road in Belfast, said: already has world-leading Bostonian provider of soft- tive Lou Shipley said in 2016: these projects happen. While commitment to Belfast with
“We are an acknowledged in- activity in this area because ware-based security solu- “Northern Ireland has the there has been a lot of devel- intentions to boost employee
ternational leader in cyber se- we have the right people with tions. numbers. The company’s chief
curity research, expertise that the right qualifications and executive Jen Nayar said: “The
has led to the creation locally creative research ethos. There’s also US techfirm region's cost-competitiveness
of more than 1,000 jobs in the as a place to do business and
last three years, with more in “We in academia, business location in terms of connec-
the pipeline, in effect lead- and government need to work tivity to London and the US
ing to the creation of a new closely together to grasp that are also hugely attractive to us,
business cluster in Northern opportunity and recognise we as indeed is Belfast's super-
Ireland, involving more than can take the lead in giving our fast broadband connectivity
30 companies.” young people a strong future – which is essential for ease
in this new economic world of doing business between our
Richard Johnson, associate order.” international offices.”
director of the Ulster Univer-
sity Economic Policy Centre And it’s those young people Meanwhile, Boston-based
which compiled the Knowl- who, in many ways, seek to Redline Trading Solutions
edge Economy Report, said: benefit most. revealed in May of this year
“The good news is that half that it is to establish a global
of the knowledge economy A strong technology sector support centre in Belfast to ca-
indicators are at record highs, will keep young graduates in ter for its fintech operations,
impacting positively upon the related fields in the North, creating 20 new jobs initially.
while attracting others from
From medtech to biotech
and gaming to app develop-
ment Belfast has placed itself
at the heart of the emerging
tech industries, and with
continued support and focus
it’s an area which is set to de-
velop further in the years to
come.

Swords and sorcery see
the cash roll in for NI

HBO’s Game of Thrones has already brought £150 million
into the local economy, and other series are on their way to
the North, writes Graham Clifford

Lights, camera, action more in the pipeline.” the regional economy is one have been a key factor too. Game of Thrones has generated £150 million for the North’s economy
– when it comes to During the filming of series of our strategic goals and en- The high-end TV tax credit Crime dramas Line Of Duty and The Fall being filmed in Belfast
the film industry and hancing Northern Ireland’s
creative arts, Belfast six alone, Northern Ireland media offering is very much in Britain allows big produc-
is well and truly in Screen funded works to the part of this. We look forward tions to claim back up to a
the frame. tune of £1.3 million and in re- to working with Warner Ho- quarter of their production
turn it’s believed £31 million rizon and further enhancing costs.
At Titanic Studios in Bel- worth of goods and services Northern Ireland’s reputation
fast, and across various loca- were bought and sold to the in the film industry.” The international exposure
tions throughout the North huge benefit of the economy enabled by such filming also
including the Cushendun of the North. Indeed, the last decade has serves as a massive boost to
Caves, Murlough Bay, Ballintoy seen the North become the tourism in the North. Of the 2.1
Harbour, Larrybane, Antrim One successful big series base for a host of large-scale million visitors to the North-
plateau, Castle Ward, Inch Ab- filmed in a certain location can productions such as Dracula ern in 2016, many thousands
bey and Downhill Strand, the entice others to follow suit. Untold and the BBC drama se- came for the Game of Thrones
blockbuster HBO series Game ries The Fall and Line of Duty. experience, but stayed for so
of Thrones is filmed, bringing The Superman prequel HBO executive Jay Roewe much more.
the region to the international series, Krypton, from Phan- has described the area as a
gaze of tens of millions. tom Four in association with “sleeping giant” for film pro- Tourism Ireland’s Game of
Warner Horizon Scripted Tel- duction. Thrones campaign reached 61
Northern Ireland Screen, evision for the SYFY chan- million people worldwide and
which helps fund the series, nel, will commence pre-pro- Peter Johnston, a director generated international media
estimates it has brought al- duction in Belfast this month with BBC Northern Ireland, coverage worth an estimated
most £150 million into the lo- with a shooting date of late said of the filming boom in £11.3 million.
cal economy since production summer. Belfast “We are incredibly
began in 2010 with thousands proud of the drama projects With the industry itself
of visitors coming to Belfast Filming will take place in which are being made here there’s been a significant
and the surrounding areas the new £20 million Belfast in Northern Ireland for au- growth in studio space in
to view for themselves the Harbour studios owned by diences across Britain to en- Belfast in recent years.
sites where the epic series is Belfast Harbour and set on an joy and are currently making
filmed. eight-acre site on the 340-acre more series here than ever The Titanic Studios com-
Giant’s Park. before.” prise the original Paint Hall
Judith Webb, Tourism NI's studio and two new pur-
Experience Development Of- David Dobbin, chairman of The North’s attraction for pose-built sound stages, while
ficer, said: "We can see already Belfast Harbour, said: “Wel- international productions is in Britvic has three stages as well
that businesses are growing on coming our first tenant to large part due to its stunning as two workshops and office
the back of Game of Thrones. Belfast Harbour Studios is rural locations, rugged coast- space. And the Linen Mill,
Two years ago, there were very exciting for us. Working line and dramatic streetscapes around half an hour’s drive
three operators promoting with Northern Ireland Screen as well as the expanding cre- from Belfast City Centre, offers
Game of Thrones experiences, and hosting visits from many ative talent pool in the region. filmmakers a quieter, more
and now we've over 25 with production companies has But financial considerations rural area in which to work
shown there is a need for a in a space measuring some
facility like this. Supporting 77,000 sq ft.

The Sunday Business Post Focus On: BELFAST - UK location of choice? 35
June25,2017

Belfast betting
on a bright future
in wake of Brexit

A building boom, increased consumer confidence
and optimism that the city can benefit from
businesses relocating after Brexit have all given
Belfast the belief that better days are on their way,
writes Graham Clifford
Stand at any el- Johnny Hanna, partner and head of tax at KPMG in Northern Ireland
evated vantage
point in Belfast boom in Belfast. The city will don Gatwick route became numbers and attract great ern Ireland. der. There is undoubtedly a Meanwhile, projects such as amenity space. ‘Regeneration
city centre, and see an unprecedented rise of the busiest British domestic numbers of American tour- He told The Sunday Business huge opportunity here for the £175 million Belfast Trans- through reconnection’ is a key
the sight of cranes 38 per cent in room capacity air route in 2016. ists to the North. Belfast (and Northern Ireland port Hub development, which them of the project – bring-
dotting the sky- by 2018 if all current projects Post: “In Brexit-related discus- generally) to attract some of will include new commercial, ing together the area’s past,
line indicates just come to fruition. This could The Belfast to Gatwick ser- Belfast is just 90 minutes sions with various companies this business.” retail and residential space in regenerating its present and
how vibrant the city’s econo- grow by a further 35 per cent vice operated by EasyJet and from Dublin by road, and with we emphasise the need to pre- the city, will add even more reimagining its future.
my has become. by 2020. In terms of invest- Ryanair overtook the Edin- a new multimillion-pound pare based on what is known A key asset for businesses in vibrancy to an already buzzing
Despite political volatility ment, the private sector will burgh-Heathrow link to be- transport hub in the pipeline, at this stage. the city is the availability of a city. The new hub will include Hanna of KPMG said: “Re-
and economic uncertainty, spend around £300 million come Britain’s most popular connectivity between Belfast rich talent pool fed by Queen’s eight railway platforms – al- silience should not be un-
the city is looking towards a building these new hotels by domestic route, while Belfast and the Republic will be fur- “It makes common sense University and Ulster Univer- lowing an hourly service to derestimated, and Belfast has
bright, positive and peace- 2018. International has overtaken ther improved. to consider all scenarios – in sity and a strong network of and from Dublin while mov- bags of that. The city has de-
ful future. It’s on the cusp of Gatwick to become Britain’s particular the British gov- further education colleges. A ing the Enterprise rail service veloped a reputation for get-
something big and consumer One of the clearest in- fourth largest airport for do- All of these factors make ernment’s stated intention to cost competitive workforce from Central Station. ting on with things even when
confidence remains encour- dicators that Belfast is fast mestic operations. Belfast an ideal location for leave both the single market and low labour turnover make obstacles are placed in its path.
agingly high. developing a reputation as businesses seeking to estab- and the customs union. With the North an attractive loca- The surrounding Weavers It has developed a very strong
Busy shopping malls, mu- a business, retail and tourist Two new trans-Atlantic lish a satellite office within the that in mind we recommend tion for inward investors. Cross neighbourhood offers record in attracting foreign di-
seums, lively pubs, clubs and hotspot is the fact that the services from Belfast to New British market, according to focusing on the business im- huge investment potential rect investment, maintaining
hotels, active streets full of Belfast International to Lon- York and Boston will help Johnny Hanna, partner and plications and to think about In March, the US fintech allowing for over 100,000 sq a competitive cost base, de-
colour and world class third- boost long-haul passenger head of tax at KPMG in North- what actions they can take to firm Vela said that the North’s m of commercial space along- veloping the adequate talent
level institutions create a rich ensure that their business is rich talent pool of graduates side significant residential and and infrastructure and Belfast
tapestry. prepared. For example, what and professionals was a key is now a well-connected city.”
The business sector, and are the supply chain impli- driver for its long-term com- Resilience
in particular technology, is cations? Do you know where mitment to the region. “Their should not Hanna also emphasised the
strengthening as new job your inputs are coming from knowledge and skill, strong be under- personal tax environment.
announcements become a and what the implications work ethic, and can-do at- estimated, “The personal tax regime is
near-monthly reality and might be under various sce- titude have helped us to re- and Belfast attractive and if the corpo-
companies already located in narios?” main true to our key values has bags of ration tax rate is reduced to
Belfast and across Northern of teamwork, technology that 12.5 per cent soon that will
Ireland continue to re-invest. Hanna continued: “While excellence, efficiency, focus, certainly assist the economy
And technology isn’t the Brexit has the potential to integrity, and reliability,” said in Northern Ireland. Heads are
only sector which can claim cause significant disruption chief executive Jen Nayar as being turned and international
great success in recent years. to many British and EU supply she announced an increase investors are looking to Belfast
Take, for example, the hotel chains, one obvious response in jobs at the company’s Bel- more now than ever before.
sector. It is estimated there are from EU companies (including fast base. The city needs to capitalise on
almost 30 new hotel projects those from Ireland) currently this great opportunity.”
in the offing across the North selling into the British market The fact that almost 80 per
with the bulk of the building may be to simply establish a cent of new inward investors Buoyant, booming and
British base (eg, a manufac- have already reinvested in the agile, Belfast is well placed
turing operation or a ware- North, or are planning to in- to build on the successes of
house) so as to minimise any vest more, shows the North’s recent years as it strives to ex-
issues that might arise from a excellent track record as a lo- pand, grow and boost inward
new EU/British customs bor- cation for investment. investment.

The perfect buildings to house ambitious companies

A set of serviced Michael Kelly, managing positioned in the city’s busi- ating in Belfast since 2006, firm Rapid 7 and financial
offices in Belfast shows director of Glandore, said: ness district and just two min- and in that time Michael Kelly services outfit Tullett Prebon.
what’s possible when “We offer companies and utes from City Hall, both in says he’s seen gradual growth
accommodating up- individuals space in our of- close proximity to the very year-on-year. Even when the Jamie McCoubery, head
and-coming businesses, fices initially on a short licence best restaurants, cafes and downturn hit the city it was of sales with Glandore in
writes Graham Clifford agreement with a minimum bars that Belfast has to offer. able to keep moving forward. the North, explains that the
of three months and then they serviced offices option has
The way of mod- day-to-day business without Michael Kelly, managing director of Glandore can extend the tenure after Companies can take any- “Belfast has so much going worked for tech companies
ern business is the headache that can some- that. We have some Glandore thing from one to 120 desks for it. It’s always had to fight of all shapes and sizes over
changing – and times come with locating and members who have been with (space allowing) and Glandore hard for what it has. The work the years.
Belfast is embrac- securing office space. us for ten years. It just allows provide an operations team of Invest NI in attracting soft-
ing that change. people flexibility and they can on standby 24-hours-a-day ware development, fintech “Glandore has been the
Where once On Arthur Street in Belfast, even just have a co-working for technical support. and financial services, Cyber launchpad for US tech cor-
premises were everything for the Arthur House and Arthur desk or virtual office to start Security and legal back office porate giants such as Face-
a new business with the name Place serviced offices have with, before moving onto a There are both private office companies has been immense book, Twitter and Dropbox
above the door, there is now space for up to 600 people. private office. and co-working spaces (all in recent years, and I think who used our service office
a more tech-based approach. with natural light) as well as they’ve actually learned a lot spaces in Dublin when they
The door is often online, the These two Glandore-owned “In some cases, our flexible reception areas, kitchen and from the success of the IDA in initially came to Ireland. Its
signage a web address. And and family-run buildings of- office spaces have also proved ‘breakout’ areas, a members the Republic,” he said. these types of businesses we
to cater for that change, ser- fer fast-growing companies very popular for project or lounge with a roof terrace, want to attract to Belfast and
viced offices allow individuals peace of mind that their space overflow work purposes. For high speed wifi, secure park- “The costs of doing busi- believe providing this op-
and small to medium-sized requirements can all be ac- many start-ups and new up- ing options and CCTV security. ness in Belfast are consider- tion shows how flexible and
entities to focus on their core commodated within single, and-coming businesses, hav- ably lower than in the likes business-friendly the city of
open-plan office suites and ing a resource such as Arthur Occupancy rates at the of London and businesses are Belfast is,” McCoubery said.
dedicated full floors. House and Arthur Place can Glandore serviced offices waking up to that in the wake
be crucial in allowing them stand at around 85 per cent of Brexit.” For his part, Kelly acknowl-
take their first steps on the on average but, by the na- edges that a reduction in the
corporate ladder.” ture of the business and the Among those companies to North’s corporation tax rate to
flexibility of clients, this can actually first base themselves 12.5 percent would greatly as-
Located in the heart of Bel- vary from near full capacity in Glandore offices in Dublin sist the region’s international
fast, the specifically designed to three-quarters full at other and Belfast, before finding competitiveness, he believes
Grade A office buildings are times of the year. their own premises, were the the prospect of a hard Brexit
US Cyber Security software has receded.
Glandore has been oper-