The number of businesses formed in Northern Ireland continues year-on-year increase.

With the exception of a small drop in 2020, Northern Ireland has seen new company incorporations increase year-on-year and 2021 does not disappoint.

Entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland set a new record for company formation in 2021. The 9,358 companies formed in Northern Ireland during the year easily exceeded the previous record of 8,676 from 2019. The trend upward for company formation in Northern Ireland has been a steady, consistent one over the last 10 years.

2,302 companies were formed in Belfast in 2021, 1,260 in Newry, Mourne and Down and 1,019 in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon. This means that these 3 counties account for almost 50% of new businesses in the country during 2021.

Our infographic below highlights some of the key facts about company formation activity in Northern Ireland. It gives a visual breakdown of where companies are formed, and compares Northern Ireland’s 2021 performance both with previous years and other nations of the UK.

Looking to form a company in Northern Ireland? Use our simple online service to form a company.