NI services cheaper then the South

The Consumers’ Association of Ireland has published some pretty damming research about the difference in the cost of services between North and South. They claim many services carried out in Northern Ireland are on average between 25% and 45% cheaper than the same services in the Republic.

The study was published in the Consumers’ Association of Ireland’s magazine Consumer Choice and reported today by RTE.

It found the cost of a car service in Belfast was on average 45% cheaper than a similar service in Dublin, while the cost of a gas boiler service was 33% more expensive in Dublin.

There were similar disparities found in the cost of dental, driving instruction and chiropractor services.

My own experience is that this difference also applies to professional services including Public Relations and Marketing Services. I reckon you can buy top notch PR consultancy for at least 25% less in Belfast then in Dublin. Many believe the same applies for legal advice, accountancy, architectural or building services.

A big opportunity for any entrepreneurial Northern consultant.