Northern Ireland Investment Agency Opens Colorado Office

Here is an indication that business investment is beginning to grow and that worldwide competition for the new projects to be undertaken in the next 12-24 months will intensify. More foreign investment agencies are opening new and expanding existing investment attraction offices in the U.S. The Europeans are becoming more aggressive in light of the increased interest by US companies to invest especially in China and India.

Invest Northern Ireland has officially opened its technology and development office at the Denver World Trade Center. The new office will promote business opportunities, encourage trade and foster relationships between Colorado and Northern Irish technology companies.

Before even opening its doors, Invest Northern Ireland helped broker $3.6 million in deals between Belfast and Colorado-based companies, which include Therapy Zone, Expediters International and Reglera.

Agency officials expect to generate more than $6 million in deals with local companies in the next 18 months. Two of those Northern Ireland-based firms said they will open offices in Denver during the next year, bringing an undisclosed number of jobs to the region.

Northern Ireland officials identified Colorado as a top area for high-tech growth. They also cited the state's pro-small-business climate, and said the Denver office will give Northern Ireland a "gateway" to the Rocky Mountain region.

The office's director is Margaret McMahon, former founding director of the Denver Trade Office in London. Invest Northern Ireland also has offices in Boston and Houston.

Source: Northern Ireland Investment Agency