Seagate’s £100m Boost: Why Northern Ireland Is Back on the Global Tech Map

16 September 2025

Paul Francis

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In Derry, the hum of industry is about to get louder. Seagate Technology, the American data storage giant, has announced a £100 million investment into its facility in Northern Ireland. The move is being hailed as one of the largest single manufacturing investments in the region’s recent history, bolstered by an additional £15 million from Invest NI, the government-backed economic development agency.

Close-up of an opened hard drive, showcasing the metallic arm and disk under warm lighting. The background is dark, creating a focused, tech mood.

For a region that has seen more than its fair share of economic uncertainty, this is no small vote of confidence.

A long-standing relationship

Seagate’s presence in Derry is not new. The company first opened its manufacturing plant in 1994 and today employs around 1,400 people. Over the years, it has become one of the most significant private employers in Northern Ireland, producing cutting-edge components that feed into Seagate’s global operations.

This new cash injection will help the site focus on developing next-generation hard drives with dramatically increased storage capacity. With data demand exploding worldwide, Seagate wants to make sure Northern Ireland remains a cornerstone of its international supply chain.

Why Derry?

Northern Ireland may not be the first place most people think of when they picture the tech industry, but Seagate’s decision highlights the region’s unique advantages. The facility offers both a skilled local workforce and strong research ties to nearby universities. The government has also been keen to push Northern Ireland as a base for advanced manufacturing, particularly as the UK looks to balance growth across regions rather than concentrate it in London and the South East.

Politicians in Stormont and Westminster alike have welcomed the announcement as a rare good news story for a region still navigating the economic fallout of Brexit.

The bigger picture

The expansion comes at a time when global demand for data storage is ballooning. Everything from streaming services to cloud computing requires vast amounts of memory. By investing heavily now, Seagate is betting that hard drives will remain a vital part of the digital backbone, even as solid-state technologies rise.

There are challenges, of course. Asia remains a dominant force in hardware manufacturing, and the UK continues to wrestle with a shortage of STEM graduates and skilled engineers. The global supply chain is also volatile, with demand fluctuating alongside tech cycles.

Yet Seagate’s investment could make Londonderry one of the key hubs for global storage technology. For Northern Ireland, it is not just about jobs today, but about staking a claim in tomorrow’s digital economy.

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Store window display on The Stand, London, to celebrate the Marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, 1981 — Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This week, news of King Charles's recent cancer diagnosis has sparked conversations about the future of the British monarchy. With the diagnosis caught early, the question lingers: could Prince William find himself ascending the throne sooner than expected? Delving into the intricacies of royal ascension is like unravelling a captivating saga, and I'm here to guide you through it. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of British Royal Succession, understanding its nuances, and uncovering the recent changes that shape its path.

1. Primogeniture and Its Historical Significance:

Primogeniture, derived from Latin, translates to "firstborn," a principle deeply embedded in the fabric of royal succession. Historically, this practice aimed to bring order to the line of inheritance, ensuring a clear and uncontested path for the eldest child to ascend the throne. The concept echoes through centuries, portraying a visual narrative of a lineage where the firstborn son stands poised to carry the weight of the crown.

2. Male-Preference Cognatic Primogeniture:

Now, let's take a step back into an era where gender played a defining role in succession. Male-Preference Cognatic Primogeniture, an age-old tradition, accorded preference to male heirs over their female counterparts. This meant that even if an elder sister was born before her younger brother, the throne awaited him. The dynamics of royal succession were influenced not only by birth order but also by the gender of the heirs, creating a hierarchy within the royal family.

3. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013: A Modern Shift:

The turning point in the royal succession narrative comes in the form of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. This legislative milestone marks a departure from centuries-old norms by dismantling the gender biases entrenched in the system. With absolute primogeniture now in play, the eldest child, whether a prince or a princess, takes centre stage. The Act is a testament to the monarchy's adaptability, aligning itself with contemporary principles of equality and fairness.

4. Direct Descendants and Extended Family:

Navigating the family tree of the British monarchy reveals a dynamic interplay of direct descendants and extended family members. The direct line includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, forming the core branch of the royal genealogy. Beyond this direct line, siblings of the reigning monarch and their descendants add complexity to the succession hierarchy. This intricate web of familial connections ensures a robust and comprehensive order of succession, balancing direct lineage with broader family ties.

5. Marriage and Religion: Legal Changes in the Succession Rules:

In the realm of royal marriages, the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 introduces significant shifts. Previously, marriage required the monarch's approval, and marrying a Catholic could alter one's position in the line of succession. The Act, however, liberates royal hearts, allowing love to blossom without the need for regal consent. It also eliminates the disqualification for marrying a Catholic, emphasizing personal choice over religious affiliations in matters of the heart.

6. Parliamentary Approval and Constitutional Dynamics:

Behind the scenes of royal succession, the political stage takes centre focus. Any substantial changes to the rules of succession demand the scrutiny and approval of the United Kingdom's Parliament. This democratic safeguard ensures that alterations to the constitutional framework of the monarchy are subject to thorough debate and democratic approval. It adds a layer of checks and balances, highlighting the intersection of tradition and modern governance within the royal framework.

As we navigate the twists and turns of the British royal succession, it's clear that the monarchy is a dynamic institution, blending tradition with the demands of the times. With King Charles's health in the spotlight, the question of succession takes on a new relevance. The journey from primogeniture to absolute primogeniture tells a tale of adaptation, progress, and a monarchy evolving to reflect the values of the world it serves. So, join me as we uncover the secrets and stories behind the regal path that winds through the heart of the British monarchy.