MORE than a dozen companies from across the north were among those pitching their wares to a global audience at the Investment Summit in ICC Belfast.
They included Derry-based Respiratory Analytics, Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel, and Ballymena-based Wrightbus.
Indeed Wrightbus, with Catagen, Terex and Artemis, learned that they will share in more than £45 million in government funding to develop green technology.
The businesses were also given an unexpected royal seal of approval when Princess Anne was a special guest at the event and did an impromptu walkabout in the exhibition hall.
Earlier, in delivering the UK Government's keynote address to the summit, Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch labelled the event as "the first of its kind".
She told delegates: "This summit is absolutely swarming with ministers desperate to talk to business and the investment community."
She said the summit was about telling a story about Northern Ireland "different from the ones you typically hear", of "energy, creativity and innovation".
"It is about opportunity and how the UK Government is working to create it here," she said.
"Today in Northern Ireland there are more people employed in manufacturing than either the Republic or the UK average, and we know that long-term prosperity requires peace and political progress.
"There have undeniably been some recent challenges but this Government has restored the smooth flow of trade from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and protected Northern Ireland's place in our union.
"This certainty and stability make Northern Ireland an even more attractive investment prospect given its unique role."
She added: "From the creators to Game of Thrones - my favourite TV show - who filmed one of the world's most successful fantasy dramas not far from here, to the businesses that are committing £20 billion of investment a year creating thousands of new jobs in the last few years alone.
"Northern Ireland is well-positioned to take advantage of the Government's broader work to drive innovation across the UK.
"I'm convinced that Northern Ireland has an incredible future and over the summit we'll get a glimpse of all that lies ahead, please consider becoming more of a part of it."
