19 Jobs As London Start-Up Invests In Belfast

A London-based mobile phone provider is set to create 19 new jobs in Belfast as it establishes a Customer Services and Credit Control Centre in the city.

Start-up firm Raylo takes an innovative approach to mobile phone contracts, offering customers the chance to purchase a handset and an airtime contract separately for greater value, freedom and choice.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered £95,000 to create the new jobs, four of which are already in place. Annually, the roles will contribute over £471,000 in salaries to the local economy.

Karl Gilbert, co-founder and CEO of Raylo, explained their concept: "Our vision is to transform the way the mobile phone industry sells its products. Instead of owning a handset, Raylo customers will lease it for a period of time before returning it to receive the latest model. This reduces costs for the customer and as the phone is recycled, is more environmentally friendly.

"It is exciting to bring our business to Belfast, particularly as I am originally from Northern Ireland. Invest NI's support has been instrumental in our growth plans; our Belfast team will play a key part in our growth plans."

The company has also availed of £40,000 from Techstart seed funding. Techstart NI is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the EU investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014-2020.

Susan O'Kane, Eastern Regional Manager at Invest NI added: "Raylo is a highly innovative company that has spotted a unique gap in the market. Our support is enabling this ambitious team to progress within the industry, sourcing the creative talent it needs from the Northern Ireland talent pool.

"The jobs created at the company's new Belfast centre will not only support its innovation and growth plans, but also contribute to the Northern Ireland economy with over £471,000 in salaries per year."