Irish people make up the largest proportion of foreign directors on boards in the UK. There are 55,000 Irish board members across the UK, and 30,000 when you exclude Northern Ireland.

The Foreign Directors in the UK Report shows that 17 percent of all foreign directors are Irish - this is a 6 percent increase on last year's figures.

The number of Irish board members is highest in the services sector, followed by construction and retail.

Ireland's proximity to the UK and the lack of language barriers are cited as the two main reasons why the Irish are doing well in the UK.

These new figures also show a widening geographical spread of these directors - as they become less centered around London. A growing number of Irish workers now hold board positions in the north-west of England, and the midlands.

The second largest group of foreign directors are from India - while American directors are third.

The data was compiled by Eulogy!, and Irish-owned firm that is based in London.