Software firm to create 660 jobs in Belfast and North West

One of Northern Ireland’s leading software companies has announced that it is to create 660 new jobs in Belfast and the North West over the next two years.

Northbrook Technology, a subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation of the United States, is planning to invest in its software operation in Belfast and in setting up new facilities in Strabane and Londonderry.

Welcoming the news, Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner said: “This is particularly good news for the North West and will provide quality employment opportunities with a fast growing US insurance company in a developing business sector.

“It is an exceptionally important development within Invest Northern Ireland’s North West Action Plan, which aims to transform the economy here by attracting investment from IT and other knowledge-led sectors.

“Investments over £100 million have already resulted from the Action Plan. The Northbrook expansion will focus on the development of new skills in software and services in an area that has been badly affected by the closure and downsizing of textiles and clothing and other traditional industries.”

Of the 660 new jobs being created, 260 will go to the North West. Northbrook Technology managing director Bro McFerran said his company’s choice of locations was influenced by the success the firm had already experienced in recruiting “well-educated and easily motivated people” in Belfast and Londonderry.

“We’ve also been impressed by the high level of interest and support from government departments and local community groups in both centres. They’ve helped us develop our business here in Northern Ireland,” Mr McFerran added.

Northbrook Technology has been offered selective financial assistance of £5.5 million by Invest NI towards the costs of this investment, which is anticipated to provide a total of 660 new jobs over the next two years.

(MB/GMCG)