Texas Firm To Create Almost 170 New Jobs In Belfast

A firm based in Texas is to create almost 170 new jobs in Belfast.

Bazaarvoice, providers of consumer-generated content (CGC), advertising, and personalisation solutions, is setting up a new European base in Belfast and will be recruiting the new staff over the next three years.

Alastair Hamilton, Invest Northern Ireland CEO said: "Bazaarvoice works with major high-street brands and retailers to provide them with precious insights on consumer purchasing habits through collecting and analysing consumer-generated content (CGC), like ratings and reviews.

"The new office will house 168 software engineering, sales and customer service staff to help service and grow the company's UK and European business. Once fully operational this will generate nearly £5.5m annually, in salaries, into the NI Economy."

The majority of the roles will be technical: software engineering, support and quality assurance and some sales roles.

The company has been offered £1.3 million of government support towards the new jobs and skills development.

Gary Allison, Executive Vice President of Engineering at Bazaarvoice, said: "I am very excited to be announcing our investment in Northern Ireland. This new office will enable us to expand the delivery of cutting edge software development, provide cost effective 'follow-the-sun' support to our US and EMEA customers and to drive customer growth in the UK and Europe.

"Our software ensures customer reviews and visual content are valid before they are shared on a retailer’s website, as well as providing valuable information to the retailer on consumer behaviour. We might not be visible to the consumer but we are central to the retail experience, helping brands and retailers use consumer views to build engagement and trust.

"Northern Ireland was able to offer high quality technical staff with relevant industry skills, as well as a stable ICT sector, to support our growth plans. We were also impressed by the low staff turnover rates here.

"We have already begun our recruitment for experienced software professionals, and have been very impressed with the quality of the people. We spent time with Queen's and Ulster universities, learning how to get the best from their internship and graduate recruitment programmes. I am pleased that we are now able to create significant opportunities for graduates to work in software engineering, client services and sales roles."

(CD/MH)