The expansion of professional services in Belfast is set to deliver a significant economic boost.
- Grant Thornton announces the creation of 71 new jobs in Belfast with support from Invest NI.
- Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell emphasises the strategic importance of this investment.
- These positions span various functions, providing opportunities from school leavers to experienced professionals.
- With an expected £1.2 million annual economic impact, this development strengthens Belfast’s professional landscape.
As the professional landscape in Belfast continues to evolve, Grant Thornton’s recent announcement of 71 new job opportunities marks a significant milestone. The company’s expansion reflects a broader trend of professional services growth within the city, providing a substantial economic uplift. Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell highlighted the strategic nature of this investment, noting its critical role in retaining Grant Thornton’s presence in Northern Ireland amidst competitive pressure from other UK and Republic of Ireland locations.
In collaboration with Invest NI, which is contributing £202,000 in employment grants, these newly created jobs are expected to bolster Belfast’s economy by generating an additional £1.2 million per year. Grant Thornton’s positions, available across various functions, are poised to offer a myriad of prospects for individuals at different points in their career trajectories, from recent school leavers to seasoned industry professionals.
Richard Gillan, a partner at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland LLP, underlined the broader ambitions of this initiative, indicating that these roles are the initial phase of an expansive growth programme planned for the region in the forthcoming years. Grant Thornton aims to leverage local talent in Northern Ireland to enhance its tax, audit, and advisory services to the benefit of regional businesses.
The commitment to hiring local professionals is further emphasised by Mark Cardiff, Head of Audit at Grant Thornton UK LLP, who expressed excitement about the company’s growth trajectory in Belfast. The new audit services premises, located at Adelaide Street, alongside the firm’s existing Clarence Street West office, will accommodate the majority of the new positions, specifically in audit services. The company anticipates between 12 and 16 roles in accounting, indicative of the firm’s robust expansion strategy.
This strategic investment by Grant Thornton exemplifies the positive economic trajectory of Belfast’s growing professional services sector.
