Northern Ireland gains 1,545 businesses in a year, as construction boom helps push total to 82,680
New NISRA figures show business numbers rose by 1.9%, with Belfast remaining the region's largest business hub
The number of VAT and PAYE-registered businesses operating in Northern Ireland has reached a record high, according to new figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).
The latest Northern Ireland Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) shows there were 82,680 registered businesses operating across the region in March 2026, an increase of 1,545 firms (1.9%) compared with the previous year.
It marks the 12 consecutive year of business growth following a period of decline between 2008 and 2014.
Construction was the strongest-performing sector, recording the largest percentage increase among the four main industries. The number of construction businesses rose by 2.7% to 11,785 – the highest level since records began in 2010.
The services sector recorded the largest increase in absolute terms, adding 975 businesses over the year to reach more than 45,000 firms. Agriculture continued its recent upward trend, posting growth for the fifth consecutive year, while production businesses increased modestly by 0.6%.
The figures highlight the continued dominance of small businesses within the Northern Ireland economy. Nearly nine in 10 businesses (89.4%) employed fewer than 10 people, while just 2.1% employed 50 or more staff.
More than a third of businesses (38.5%) reported an annual turnover of less than £100,000, while 13.1% generated turnover exceeding £1 million.
Belfast remained Northern Ireland’s largest business hub, accounting for 12,100 businesses, or 14.6% of the total. The city also recorded the largest numerical increase over the year, with 285 additional businesses.
Every council area experienced business growth during the year. Ards and North Down recorded the strongest percentage increase at 2.9%, while Derry City and Strabane saw the smallest rise, with business numbers increasing by just 15 firms.
The report also highlights the significant role played by external investment. While only 2.8% of businesses operating in Northern Ireland were owned by organisations registered outside the region, these firms accounted for almost a quarter (24.3%) of all employees.
Over the past five years, the number of non-Northern Ireland-owned businesses has increased by 18%, while employment within those firms has grown by almost 10%.
The IDBR covers businesses registered for VAT and/or PAYE purposes and is regarded as the most comprehensive official measure of the active business population in Northern Ireland. It does not include smaller businesses operating below the VAT threshold that do not run a PAYE scheme.