Twin Jobs Boosts Announced

A software company based in Belfast's science park is to create 90 new jobs - while a separate project in Co Down is to produce another 25 new jobs - hot from the bakery oven.

Fidessa is a leading supplier of software services to financial markets and set up a development centre in Northern Ireland in 2008.

Yesterday, the First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the new jobs and Mr Robinson said the investment was "a welcome confidence boost" for the economy.

Martin McGuinness said the move would send "a very clear message to multi-national companies that this region has much to offer the global financial service sector".

Meanwhile, 25 new jobs are set to be created in Bangor after local company New Edge Leisure announced plans to open a 'high end' new coffee shop and bakery in the town centre.

Located at a former furniture store in Main Street, the upmarket establishment will make all of its own produce on site.

Announcing the new plans, New Edge Leisure Holdings Director, Ian Newell said recruitment for the new positions would begin soon.

"This new bakery will make top of the range bread products using traditional recipes and will employ traditional baking methods," he said.

"We want to bring back the home-made products of yesteryear and sell them on site in modern sophisticated surroundings.

"It is an exciting new venture and one which we feel the people of Bangor will welcome and we are delighted that the planning authorities have given us permission to change the use of the current premises for this venture."

Mr Newell said the name of the new bakery is still 'under wraps', but says he is delighted that around 25 new staff will be needed.

The company director added: "We have already secured the services of a master baker and fellow director Wesley Nelson who has more than 20 years experience in producing tasty bread products - both traditional and modern.

"It is a timely jobs boost for Bangor and we are confident the new premises will quickly establish itself in the hearts of people in the town as a superb cafe and bakery," he concluded.

Also commenting, Master baker, Wesley Nelson added: "I am really looking forward to getting the bakery up and running. We hope to be able to open the doors in around eight weeks time."

(BMcC/KMcA)