March 14, 2026 — San Francisco Bay Area
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald and Invest Northern Ireland executives, including Head of Americas Andrea Haughian, pitched Bay Area technology firms on tariff-free access to U.K. and EU markets during a tour from March 9 to promote investment opportunities leveraging the region’s unique post-Brexit status. The effort, highlighted as Northern Ireland pitches Bay Area firms on tariff-free access to U.K. markets by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, targeted supply chain diversification amid U.S. tariff uncertainty, with meetings held in San Francisco and Sunnyvale.
Bay Area Investment Pitch
Archibald and Haughian met with tech leaders to showcase Northern Ireland as a strategic hub. The SVBJ reported interest from California companies in the pitch, echoing Northern Ireland pitches Bay Area firms on tariff-free access to U.K. markets. Existing operations by firms like Bank of America and Citigroup in Belfast underscore the appeal.
“This visit offers an important opportunity to demonstrate the north’s strengths as a competitive, innovative and strategically positioned location for US investment.”
— Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, Invest NI press release
Archibald emphasized dual market access, skilled talent, and sectoral strengths in tech, cybersecurity, and financial services.
New San Francisco Office Opening
A key highlight was the official opening of Invest NI’s new San Francisco office to bolster U.S. West Coast presence. Chief Commercial Officer Anne Beggs noted:
“Our new office location in San Francisco will strengthen the work of our US team who are working hard to identify US firms looking to establish or expand operations and introduce them to Northern Ireland as a potential location.”
— Anne Beggs, Invest NI
The office supports attractions in financial services, cybersecurity, technology, and manufacturing.
Broader U.S. Tour and Existing Investors
The tour extended to Los Angeles for tourism and screen industry promotions. U.S. firms like Californian investors Seagate, Proofpoint, Imperva, Citi, and Aflac already operate in Northern Ireland, with ongoing expansions.
“Dual market access, deep sectoral strengths, a skilled talent base and a resilient business culture all contribute to the north’s continued appeal to US investors.”
— Dr. Caoimhe Archibald
Northern Ireland pitches Bay Area firms on tariff-free access to U.K. markets gained traction on social media, including SVBJ’s X post noting supply chain interest. Coverage appeared in Belfast Telegraph and others, affirming the Northern Ireland pitches Bay Area firms on tariff-free access to U.K. markets initiative.