A senior leader at Invest NI in the north west has committed to restoring confidence in the organisation while emphasising her conviction that it is now genuinely dedicated to achieving regional balance. Aeidin McCarter, appointed as Invest NI's head of regional business for the north west in April 2026, acknowledged that the organisation made errors in the past but stressed that geographic equity has become a central priority.
Invest NI has faced sustained criticism regarding the distribution of inward investment across Northern Ireland, with the north west receiving a disproportionately small share. In 2025, Kieran Kennedy, a Strabane business leader, stepped down from Invest NI's board after making allegations of discrimination against the north west region.
Performance data presented to Derry City and Strabane District Council in July 2026 revealed stark disparities in how investment has been allocated. Between 2021–22 and 2025–26, Belfast generated 8,733 new jobs—nearly half of the 17,932 jobs created across all of Northern Ireland—while Derry City and Strabane created only 1,176. Investment figures showed an even sharper divide: Belfast attracted £1.14bn in planned investment compared with £242.7m in Derry City and Strabane. In terms of business support, Belfast saw 944 businesses assisted against 256 in Derry City and Strabane.
How is Invest NI restructuring to address regional imbalance?
McCarter's appointment forms part of a broader organisational overhaul. Invest NI has implemented a new five-region operating model, with Belfast separated as its own region and a dedicated North and North West region established. McCarter's remit covers both Derry City and Strabane District and Causeway Coast and Glens council areas, positioning her as the strategic voice for the north west within the organisation.
Speaking to a national broadcaster's radio programme, McCarter described her role as ensuring the region's particular needs are articulated and that investment decisions reflect local priorities.
The new regional heads of business roles are very much about being the strategic voice of the region within Invest Northern Ireland. We're very much about articulating the particular needs of this region and the needs of the businesses here, and ensuring that we are delivering across the organisation, that we're delivering locally.
Collaboration with local councils, education institutions and other partners will be central to her approach, she indicated.
What prompted the acknowledgement of past mistakes?
When asked directly whether the north west had been disadvantaged in investment allocation, McCarter did not shy away from the question.
I can totally understand that, and I can totally see why and I have no doubt that, as an organisation, we've made mistakes in the past.
An independent review conducted by Sir Michael Lyons in 2023 had identified
profound divisionsat the top of Invest NI that were damaging the organisation's effectiveness. The review also flagged concerns about Invest NI's
client companymodel, under which a small number of firms received repeated and substantial financial support, concentrating resources rather than distributing them widely.
Following the Lyons review, Invest NI developed an action plan to address the identified problems. McCarter noted that most of the review's recommendations have now been implemented.
Regional balance is front and centre in our strategy now. There was a significant report done, and the majority of the recommendations in that report are now implemented. I think we are probably a different organisation to what we would have been in previous years.
What are the new targets for regional investment distribution?
Invest NI's current business strategy sets an ambitious target: 65% of investments should be located outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area by 2026/27, up from a five-year historical average of 56%. This represents a deliberate shift in how the organisation allocates resources.
Recent performance data suggests progress is being made. According to Invest NI's 2025-26 end-of-year results, the organisation supported £764m of investment and 4,301 jobs across Northern Ireland, with 59% of supported investments located outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area. While this falls short of the 65% target, it represents movement in the intended direction.
What is Invest NI's position on indigenous versus foreign investment?
McCarter stressed the importance of nurturing locally-owned enterprises alongside attracting foreign direct investment. She noted that 93% of Invest NI's investment goes into indigenous businesses, reflecting a strategic emphasis on growing the local economy from within.
While foreign direct investment is important, and bringing jobs has always been important, particularly for this part of the world, it is equally, if not more, important to grow our indigenous businesses. Ultimately, those businesses will not just create jobs, they will create wealth and wider opportunities for our local and national economy.
Why did McCarter accept the role?
McCarter brought 16 years of experience from Derry City and Strabane District Council, where she spent a decade as head of culture, before joining Invest NI. She explained her decision to take on the new position by emphasising her belief in the organisation's commitment to change.
I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't think I could make a difference and if I didn't think the organisation, its senior team and wider organisation weren't serious about delivering for everyone, particularly the north west. I understand people's scepticism, but I do think we're in an entirely different place than we were even a few short years ago.
What comes next for Invest NI's regional rebalancing?
Invest NI's current business strategy is entering its final year, with the 65% regional investment target scheduled for achievement in 2026/27. The organisation has indicated that its final 2025-26 results will be published shortly, providing a fuller picture of progress toward the stated objectives.
Key Facts:
- Belfast received 8,733 new jobs from 2021–22 to 2025–26, compared with 1,176 in Derry City and Strabane, according to official performance data.
- Invest NI's new operating model separates Belfast as its own region and establishes a dedicated North and North West region under McCarter's leadership.
- The organisation aims to increase investments outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area to 65% by 2026/27, up from a historical average of 56%.
- An independent 2023 review identified structural problems including concentrated support to a small number of firms and divisions at senior management level.
- 93% of Invest NI's investment currently supports indigenous businesses rather than foreign-owned enterprises.
