Robinson Meets With Top Chicago Companies

Mr Robinson met with Senior Vice President of the Allstate Corporation, Cathy Brune and reflected on the impressive growth of Allstate Northern Ireland (previously Northbrook Technology).

Mr Robinson said: "Allstate has seen its remit expand beyond IT into business process outsourcing, leading to the establishment of facilities in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane.

"Companies such as Allstate have contributed significantly to employment opportunities in Northern Ireland and I appreciate this opportunity to reaffirm to them our ongoing support for their commitment to Northern Ireland.

"I visited Allstate in Belfast before I left for the US to see at first hand the range of software development services and business process outsourcing solutions it provides. In its 10 year history of operating in Northern Ireland, Allstate has grown its presence to the point where it now employs some 1,500 people in Belfast, Londonderry and Strabane.

"Allstate have been strong supporters of, and advocates for, Northern Ireland and the Executive have been pleased to be able to attract, and retain, a Fortune 100 company in Northern Ireland. The economy remains at the centre of our Programme for Government and international companies remain crucial to the future growth and prosperity of the Northern Ireland economy.

"Our position continues to be one in which we will work with global investors and explore every avenue of potential growth for the future. Companies such as Allstate have already invested in our workforce and we want to spread that message of success so that more companies will recognise us as a viable investment opportunity.

"Over the course of our visit we have met with some very influential people and, despite the global economic downturn, we have delivered the message that Northern Ireland, and our highly skilled workforce are very much open for business.

"I am confident that our presence here has lead to more US based companies taking up opportunities to invest back home. We continue to have a very powerful message to deliver to corporate America, Northern Ireland remains an excellent opportunity for all those wishing to access the EU market."