Property consultants, Savills will be expanding their Northern Irish retail division it was announced today.

Savills claim a strong recovery in the sector has significantly increased the demand from retailers for their property consultancy services.

Last year saw a high volume and variety of retail deals brokered and transacted by the Savills. Some of these high profile deals included Harvey Norman - Boucher Plaza, Primark - Omagh & Belfast, Oak Furnitureland  - Shane Retail Park, Ireland’s first store, The Yankee Store -  Bluewater, and a number of stores for new NI entrant Yours Clothing.

Looking further ahead, Savills predict that due to the high level of retail demand in Belfast City Centre, there is now a lack of supply of larger retail floor plates, which is the catalyst for new development in 2016 and beyond.

Retail Director from Savills, Paul Wilson today commented, "2015 was a transitional year for many retailers, which has reflected positively on Northern Ireland’s high street. Further employment and wage growth, coupled with lower energy costs, have helped consumer confidence improve to a record high and this has translated into positive retailer performances.

"Furthermore, refuelled interest has been aided by the Northern Ireland commercial rates revaluation."

Source: www.businessworld.ie