ePrints

The comparative performance of business services in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Lookup NU author(s): Cheryl Conway

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Comparisons are made between firms in five business service industries located in the two parts of Ireland. The focus is on explaining the differential performance of the business services sector in the two areas. Matched comparisons show independent offices grow at the same rate though Rol sample firms are characterised by higher charge-out rates and higher sales per head. Comparisons of supply-side characteristics show few differences in the basic capability of firms. Attention is drawn to the dependence of the industry on Irish demand and the low level of cross-border trade. Consideration is given to how to increase trade between NI and the Rol and to increase the competitive advantages of firms in order to penetrate markets outside Ireland. Future opportunities for the sector are considered in the light of the outbreak of peace and deeper cross-border integration.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Hitchens DMWN, O'Farrell PN, Conway CD

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Urban Studies

Year: 1996

Volume: 33

Issue: 7

Pages: 1093-1110

ISSN (print): 0042-0980

ISSN (electronic): 1360-063X

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00420989650011528

DOI: 10.1080/00420989650011528

Altmetrics

Share