The local factors that affect where new businesses are set up

Some local areas attract more new businesses than others. What is it about these areas that so appeals to firms? Access to potential employees with the right skills, being connected to broadband networks and having good transport links are often cited as important factors. Understanding the preferences of new businesses is important for those devising regional policy and for localities trying to attract more investment and employment. In this research we try to measure the relative importance of these and other local characteristics for firms setting up in parts of Ireland outside the Dublin region.