Ireland is one of the top 30 locations in the world for outsourcing. Research conducted by US based Gartner group has placed Ireland and Northern Ireland among countries such as India and Singapore as the most suitable locations for offshore activities. The aim of the survey, according to Gartner was not to rank countries, as it said every organisation will have a different view of which factors are most important for their needs.

The analysis showed that India remains the leader in offshore services, but also found that countries such as Ireland, China, Russia and Brazil are providing credible alternatives.

Gartner predicts that offshore spending will grow 60 percent in Europe this year and 40 percent in the US.

Ireland fared well for language skills and the quality and quantity of English language speakers.

The survey said that other countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania were also given credit for the availability of alternative languages that address the needs of an increasing number of continental European buyers.

Other locations that made it into the top 30 include Canada, Australia, China, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey.