• Invest Northern Ireland was formed by the Northern Ireland government in April 2002. Its objectives are to promote innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship, company growth and investment. 

• This is Northern Ireland's largest independent business body. It aims for strong membership growth and the development and expansion of membership services. Its primary role is to represent and vigorously defend membership interests in matters of public policy towards business.

• This department is responsible for economic policy development, energy, tourism, mineral development, health and safety at work, Companies Registry, Insolvency Service, consumer affairs, and labour market and economic statistics services.

Companies House

• Companies House is responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies, examining and storing company information and for making this information publicy available.

• This department is responsible for thirld level education and training in a range of employment measures all aimed at giving people the skills, knowledge and opportunities to work.

• The Companies Registration Office is the statutory authority for registering new companies in the Republic of Ireland. The office also registers business names.