Written question asked by Lord Trimble (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 18 March 2005. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Friday, 18 March 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans Invest NI have to market Newtownards as a preferred location for future inward investment; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Trimble: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans Invest NI have to market Newtownards as a preferred location for future inward investment; and if he will make a statement. [222072] Mr. Gardiner: The focus of Invest NIs international sales and marketing effort is to aggressively promote all areas of Northern Ireland, including Newtownards, as an attractive and viable location for new inward investment opportunities, in what is a very competitive global marketplace. In recent years the shift in foreign direct investment flows towards service industries has increasingly witnessed new investment, mainly from the financial services and software sectors, wishing to locate within the larger labour pools available in Northern Ireland. Invest NI's local offices continue to work closely with key stakeholders to understand and ensure that detailed information on sub-regional sales propositions, including Newtownards, is available to potential investors. While Invest NI continues to encourage new foreign direct investment to Northern Ireland, it also remains committed to strengthening the international competitiveness of local companies. From 2002-04, Invest NI made 72 offers of assistance totalling £3.88 million to existing companies in the Ards borough council area against investments of £15.5 million. This support was offered through a wide range of programmes.

Secondary information