Lucy Woods runs British Telecom's operations in Northern Ireland. The company employs 3,000 people in the North including 350 at its new call centre.

As a telecommunications supplier, it is gearing up for the growth that it expects in a more stable economic climate, particularly as investment of a high-tech nature increases.

"The agreement should encourage investment to come here and stay here," Ms Woods says. "For business to have confidence in Northern Ireland, peace was necessary."

BT says it is ready to take advantage of any opportunities that open up in a more positive business environment. It is constantly upgrading its exchanges and now has a fully digital network.

Meanwhile, in the autumn it plans to move to a new building on which it has spent £30 million sterling.