ATTRACTING new jobs in any sector is always a difficult process so it is important to recognise the significance of yesterday's announcement that 600 posts are to be created by the global financial services company Citi in Belfast.
The firm already has a workforce of 1,500 in well-paid roles at its offices in the Titanic Quarter and the expansion makes it one of the largest private employers anywhere in Northern Ireland.
Grants from Invest NI of around £6m helped to finalise the development but it is clear that Citi has been impressed by the quality of staff available here since it first opened its Belfast base 10 years ago.
Such a strong vote of confidence from a business with an international reputation and a presence in more than 100 countries may well encourage other major outlets to take similar steps.