£16.3 million investment in Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre

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Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy have announced a £16.3 million investment in a new state of the art Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), to be based at Ulster University in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast. 

Pictured (L-R) are Archie Clements, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research and Enterprise, Queen’s University Belfast; Dónal Durkan, Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Invest Northern Ireland; Professor Liam Maguire, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research, Ulster University; Keith Forster, Director of Innovation, Research and Enterprise, Department for the Economy.

The Centre will focus on increasing business awareness and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to boost competitiveness and productivity across all industries including logistics, finance, life-sciences, manufacturing and Agri-Tech. 

The AICC was formally launched at an event on Ulster University’s Belfast campus today. As well as speakers from both Universities and Invest Northern Ireland, attendees heard reflections from Brian Hills, Chief Executive of The Data Lab, on their journey to setting up a similar AI centre in Scotland. There was also a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges for AI adoption in Northern Ireland with contributions from Kainos, FinTrU, Analytics Engines, Whitespace and both Universities.

“We are in the midst of an AI driven revolution and through this investment we will harness the transformative power of AI, ensuring its potential is diffused and applied to a broad business base which will encourage economic growth and be of great benefit to our people and society.

“This collaborative project, with bases in Belfast and Derry, will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together research expertise and industry professionals to collaborate on cutting-edge projects and solutions.

“The centre, the people who work there and the important work it will deliver will be an important contributor to my wider economic vision as we aim to raise productivity, promote regional balance, reduce carbon emissions and deliver good jobs.

“As part of today’s announcement, the Department has offered almost £2.5 million to support additional AI and Data Science postgraduate qualifications to be delivered by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast to expand the capacity of our talent pipeline to meet industry need.”

Economy Minister: Conor Murphy

The AICC, with bases at Ulster University’s Belfast and Derry/Londonderry campuses and Queen’s, will also encourage greater industrial innovation and collaboration with academia to increase both local and FDI investment. The provision of additional training and professional qualifications in AI will also be delivered through both Universities.

“Our support of £13.8 million over the next 5 years is to increase business knowledge and adoption of AI technology. AI is one of the most important technological developments of the modern era and has the potential to deliver important benefits such as R&D excellence, skills development and increased competitiveness. With some 100 local companies already currently using AI technologies in their operations we have an excellent foundation to build upon our capabilities locally.

“As a region we are already recognised as an area of excellence in the realm of Big Data and data analytics. We now have the opportunity to make our mark in the AI arena and to realise the economic benefits that will come from adopting AI right across our business landscape to improve productivity, deliver good jobs, reduce costs and enhance sectoral competitive positioning.”

Dónal Durkan, Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Invest NI,

“As an academic institution we are proud to be leading the way in cutting edge research relating to the application of AI in business settings. The AICC represents a new resource of 25 dedicated staff who will use their existing knowledge and expertise to inform, educate and empower businesses to adopt AI, as well as stimulating new research and innovation for the responsible adoption of AI.

“In partnership with Queen’s University Belfast we will deliver 390 funded Postgraduate AI qualifications and also classroom-based or online skills training to thousands of workers across Northern Ireland over the next five years. 

“The AICC looks forward to working in conjunction with industry to increase adoption of AI while simultaneously creating the AI workforce of the future through the development of new qualifications.” 

Professor Brian Meenan, the Ulster University AICC Principal Investigator,

“AI and machine learning are evolving at an amazing rate and major developments are occurring at a monthly level. It offers enormous potential to transform business operations, so university-industry interaction is vital to ensure effective and fruitful engagement. Queen’s academics can provide insights into productivity improvements and help create innovative solutions for challenging problems using state-of-the-art AI approaches.”

Professor Roger Woods, the Queen’s University Principal Investigator
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Northern Ireland’s largest 5G testbed in Derry-Londonderry set to supercharge smart manufacturing

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Local technology consortium Smart Nano NI, formed to further the development of smart manufacturing in Northern Ireland, has today launched the largest 5G testbed in Northern Ireland in Derry-Londonderry, marking a significant step in a five-year plan to accelerate smart manufacturing in the country. 

Led by consortium partner Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, the 5G testbed is the organisation’s latest innovation activity to bolster economic growth and investment opportunity in Northern Ireland. The investment by the Smart Nano NI consortium will create a valuable, open access facility and provide expert technical support to local start-ups and businesses through the Digital Catapult Smart Nano Accelerator Programme.

The ground-breaking testbed facilities will be delivered by the global IT and business consulting services firm CGI, in partnership with Digital Catapult Northern Ireland. The cutting-edge 5G and 4G private network is a first-of-its-kind smart manufacturing and education setting in Northern Ireland, providing access to the latest network technologies including 5G and NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and will be instrumental in upskilling the next generation of innovators and experts across the country. 

William Revels, Managing Director at Digital Catapult Northern Ireland, said, “This is an exciting milestone for the project as we bring access to the latest 5G technology to both industry and academia and enable businesses to take advantage of the substantial market opportunities offered by 5G. Derry-Londonderry will be the ninth 5G testbed in Digital Catapult’s nationwide network and we’ve seen the opportunities that can be opened up from providing the equipment and in turn de-risking innovation.” 

RELATED: Smart Nano NI launches Smart Manufacturing accelerator programme to empower Northern Ireland manufacturers

The development of these facilities follows CGI’s opening of a new delivery centre in Northern Ireland as part of its commitment to developing skills and talent in the region. Volkan Pakoglu, Director Consulting Services at CGI, added, “The integration of this new 5G platform will demonstrate the value of creating mobile private networks within business by taking full advantage of the power, performance, and connectivity of 5G. We are committed to working together with Smart Nano NI and its partners to support and facilitate innovation, sustainable solutions and use technology for good.” 

The smart education site at the Industry 4.0 Centre in the Northwest Regional College’s Springtown Campus, will give both students and industry access to test and explore new use cases of the 5G private network, while the manufacturing site, hosted at Seagate’s manufacturing facility, will give businesses the opportunity to test the technology in a live manufacturing setting.

Dr Fergal Tuffy, Business Support Centre Manager at North West Regional College, said, “We are delighted to have the 5G testbed installed at our Springtown Campus, adding to our automation and robotics equipment at the Industry 4.0 Centre. This exciting collaboration will allow us to support students and businesses to gain skills and knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities that these cutting-edge technologies present.”

As part of today’s announcement, Digital Catapult have also launched an open call for the latest Smart Nano Accelerator Programme, giving businesses access to the 5G testbed for the first time. The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge is inviting innovative Northern Ireland start-ups and SMEs to join the programme and submit ideas for new technology solutions to solve manufacturing challenges.

Following the completion of the programme, the participating Northern Ireland-based companies will have the opportunity to compete for a £75,000 grant from Techstart Ventures to continue to develop their business idea. Funded through Techstart’s Proof of Concept Grant Fund, this pre-commercial grant awarding fund supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept. 

Kathleen Garrett from Techstart Ventures said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Digital Catapult, Seagate and the Smart Nano NI consortium on this Manufacturing Innovation Challenge. We look forward to seeing the innovations develop through the accelerator programme and have no doubt that some exciting businesses will be formed during this process with the support & guidance of the accelerator and the £75k grant funding from ourselves.”

Jason Wiggins, Programme Manager for Smart Nano NI, added: “The combined investment in infrastructure, the Smart Nano Accelerator programme and the Techstart competition creates a supportive environment for companies to develop and test new technologies. This collaboration will deliver new business resources to Northern Ireland and will drive growth and innovation across many sectors”.

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City of Derry Airport Birmingham Bound with Ryanair NEW Service Launching April 2024!

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After a hugely successful year at City of Derry Airport in 2023, the Airport is starting 2024 on a high following Ryanair’s announcement that the airline will be operating a new year round service from the Gateway of the Northwest to Birmingham twice weekly from April 2024.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight on the new Birmingham service: “We are thrilled to expand our route map with Ryanair and provide a much-needed service for our local catchment area across Derry City and Strabane, the Causeway Coast and Glens, Donegal and beyond.

“A direct connection to Birmingham has been in demand for a number of years, particularly for those commuting to work, study or visit family and friends, and we are delighted that Ryanair will be taking to the skies to provide this.”

Mr. Frazer added: “As part of our long-term commitment to support and develop the Northwest economy and tourism sector, we hope this new service will help bring new inbound investment opportunities and a new tourism market from the UK midlands area into the Walled City and surrounding areas.”

This news follows the launch of new international connectivity to 119 destinations across 56 countries from City of Derry Airport via London Heathrow, with increased frequency from January 2024, the release of Travel Solutions summer holidays to Faro and Palma for 2024, the take-off of Joe Walsh Tours summer pilgrimages to Lourdes, and a sold-out Topflight school ski programme to Verona which is taking to the skies for the first time this month, marking a new era for the Airport.

The new Ryanair service between City of Derry Airport and Birmingham will commence from April 2024, and flights are available to book now via the Ryanair website.

Visit www.ryanair.com for more information.

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US Envoy leads delegation to North West

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A senior business delegation led by US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph P. Kennedy, III, visited the North West in October 2023 as part of their wider Northern Ireland itinerary.

Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 26th October 2023 Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye

They were hosted by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue to a Business Lunch at the Guildhall that was attended by over 40 delegates from the U.S., local partners and stakeholders including representatives from Ulster University, the North West Regional College, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, City Centre Initiative and the neighbouring Donegal County Council.

A significant number of globally focused local businesses and international investors who are located in the NorthWest region were also in attendance alongside Jayne Brady, Head of the Civil Service and representatives from the U.S. Department of State and Invest NI.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue said she was delighted to welcome the delegation to the Guildhall. She said the visit was an important occasion for the North West region to promote and sell its compelling and unique investment opportunity.

She said: “This high-profile delegation offered us an opportunity to promote the NorthWest region’s unique location as a cross border city region with access to both the EU and UK markets, with a dynamic talent and skilful population thanks to our strong university and further and higher education provision and our unique approach to developing a skilled workforce for business. We were also able to promote the flexibility of our people, our rich culture and heritage and the quality of life for people living here.

“The focus of the business lunch was for U.S. investors and local NorthWest businesses to engage in ideas and experiences and to showcase our rich tourism, culture and heritage and unique business offering. The delegation was impressed by the strong collaboration and partnership that exists between all our business sectors and the supportive environment that is available here for investors.”

The event was an opportunity for companies from a diverse range of sectors including Fintech, digital, creative, advanced manufacturing and life and health sciences to network and engage with one another.

In addition to getting an update on the region’s City and Growth Deal and wider strategic projects from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Chief Executive, the delegation heard contributions from a range of US companies who have invested in the area such as Seagate and Allstate NI, as well as from local leading businesses like NuPrint, FAST Technologies, Alchemy and Access Elemental, before taking a tour of the Guildhall and viewing the John Hume Nobel Peace Prize and a walking tour of the historic City Walls and the Peace Bridge.

The Mayor concluded that the visit reflected the continued commitment of Special Envoy Joseph P. Kennedy III to showcasing the North West as an attractive location for US investors

The delegation arrived in Northern Ireland on October 24 for a number of days to meet local business leaders, established US investors and politicians and took time visit key tourist attractions.

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Ireland’s North West City Region showcased in the Irish Embassy, London

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On 4th December 2023 at the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser, an event was held in the Irish Embassy in London to showcase Ireland’s North West City Region as an innovative and attractive compelling destination to live, work, study, invest, explore and do business.

On 4th December 2023 at the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser, an event was held in the Irish Embassy in London to showcase Ireland’s North West City Region as an innovative and attractive compelling destination to live, work, study, invest, explore and do business. Ireland’s North West City Region is a collaborative initiative between Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council. The event was also supported by North West Regional Development Group.

The objective of this event was to promote Ireland’s North West City Region in relation to trade and investment and to demonstrate the competitive advantages of doing business in the North West City Region. This was an opportunity to continue to develop a strong partnership between the North West City Region and the City of London and wider UK and to engage with the Irish diaspora in London, further expanding the region’s reach.

Cllr Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council was keen to showcase the city region to a London audience saying that “we are delighted to showcase our regional offer to important players in the London business and wider community today. The North West is ready for growth, and we have invested significant sums in infrastructure, networks and facilities to ensure we’re investor ready as a city region. The fact that so many high caliber businesses have now located in the region have invested here highlights the high quality of our investment proposition. On behalf of Donegal County Council, I would like to thank Ambassador Fraser for hosting our delegation at this wonderful event in the Irish Embassy.”

Cllr Patricia Logue, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council highlighted that place and proximity to talent has played a huge role in company success across the North West City Region, stating “We pride ourselves in our people and the role our universities and colleges play in molding that talent. Combined with a superb quality of life, the North West City Region offers a work life balance that attracts and retains the best employees. With the Common Travel Area, an exceptional talent pool can be drawn across the region.  Living and working across two jurisdictions on a day-to-day basis. We have the right kind of infrastructure, logistics and proximity to London. This is a region of untapped potential. We are already providing important and valuable support to companies such as FinTrU who have grown and prospered in this region. We are ready to capitalise on our strengths to drive economic growth and foster innovation, for our mutual benefit. With our close proximity to London. And, and by sharing the only land border between the EU and UK. We are an ideal gateway location to both these markets”.

Chief Executive with Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie said it was hugely important for the North West City Region to showcase its attributes and to engage directly with key stakeholders and influencers. “It is very important for us to strengthen our links with London and to do all we can to showcase out offerings to this audience. It’s an opportunity for us to develop strong international business links and build on the existing good work that is being done to develop our key industries, the emerging fintech cluster in our region and to collaborate on shared interests in innovation, education and climate action.”

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin stated that “Ireland’s North West City Region is an excellent location for investors as it straddles two jurisdictions which provides businesses, multi-nationals and entrepreneurs the benefits of having access to both the EU and UK markets. The North West City region has established strong political, economic, and cultural linkages with London and this event further strengthens these connections. “

The event included a lively panel discussion focused on Ireland’s North West City Region, a gateway to global growth moderated by Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award 2023 recipient Caroline McLaughlin, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, UK. Panelists included Denis Curran, Head of Regions, Property and Enterprise Development at the IDA and Darragh McCarthy, CEO at FinTrU.

The event is also a fitting way to mark the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and to share success stories of how the region has evolved since from an economic development perspective.  It also highlighted the benefit to businesses of locating in this region which can provide seamless market access to both the EU and UK.

Leading blue chip and fast-growing businesses, along with public and private sector representatives and key influencers based in and around London attended the event as well as stakeholders from across the region to provide a holistic overview of the benefits of locating in Ireland’s North West City Region.

The North West City region has a varied talent pool including a workforce which is not just highly educated but innovative, creative and loyal with Centres of Excellence in Big Data & Analytics, Health & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and the Blue Economy.

Ireland’s North West City region has a proven track record in hosting international companies such as PGIM, TCS, Seagate, DuPont, Allstate, Optum, Zeus, FinTrU, Abbot and Terex Corporation. These companies are already reaping the benefits and gaining competitive advantages provided by operating in the North West City Region. Talent is also driving investment decisions and the North West City Region provides a unique location for businesses seeking competitive advantage.

The event was also supported by stakeholders including the IDA Ireland, Invest NI, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Donegal ETB and the North West Regional College along with businesses operating in the region. The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, sharing insights, and building relationships on a cross-border basis.

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Over 30 Invest NI international staff welcomed to the North West

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Over 30 of Invest NI’s international staff travelled to the North West in January for a two-day visit programme to strengthen their knowledge about the North West’s investment proposition. 

Pictured (L-R) are Kelly-Marie Nolan, Regional Director France, Invest NI; Rosalind Young, Investment Manager, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Steve Harper, Executive Director of International Business, Invest NI; Professor Michaela Black, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Ulster University; Des Gartland, North Western Regional Manager, Invest NI; Dearbhla O'Neill, FDI Business Development Director, Invest NI.
Pictured (L-R) are Kelly-Marie Nolan, Regional Director France, Invest NI; Rosalind Young, Investment Manager, Derry City & Strabane District Council; Steve Harper, Executive Director of International Business, Invest NI; Professor Michaela Black, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Ulster University; Des Gartland, North Western Regional Manager, Invest NI; Dearbhla O’Neill, FDI Business Development Director, Invest NI.

The visit highlighted the region’s strengths in key sectors including financial and professional services and advanced manufacturing and engineering. The team had the opportunity to visit Ulster University’s Intelligent Systems Research Centre on the Magee campus, the Clinical Translational Research & Innovation Centre in Altnagelvin Hospital and to hear from companies who have already chosen the North West to grow their businesses like Vertiv and Terex. 

Steve Harper, Executive Director of International Business, said: “Each time our international team comes to Northern Ireland we include a visit to one of the regions. These visits give the team the opportunity to learn more about each region’s strengths as part of our commitment to regional development. 

“This visit to the North West will give the team the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the region’s investment proposition and support the team to foster meaningful connections with local stakeholders. The knowledge they will gain will better equip them to champion the region to potential investors and help facilitate potential trade partnerships. Whilst here, our team will share knowledge about what investors from different regions are looking for when searching for a location to invest. This information will help the Council fine tune its investment proposition; and colleges and universities shape the courses they offer to meet the skills investors are looking for. 

“We’re delighted some of our partners in the area, including the Council, the Londonderry Chamber and Ulster University, are involved in the programme, along with local businesses and recent investors, ensuring the team gets a well-rounded view of what the area has to offer.”  

The 32 international staff are based in markets including the US, Asia Pacific, Europe, and IMEA. 

Professor Michaela Black, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Ulster University, said: “The focus of the Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Ulster University is the development and deployment of brain inspired AI. The Centre is recognised for its world class research capability and therefore pivotal in attracting international industry engagement, as well as Foreign Direct Investment, to the North West region. We’re delighted to have some of the Invest NI international team visit the Centre and it has been a pleasure to highlight the work being undertaken by staff and PhD researchers and promote the attractiveness of the area.”

Invest NI’s international staff heard from a panel of local stakeholders, on a deep dive into the North West’s FDI value proposition. The panel was chaired by Mark O’Connell, Founder and Executive Chairman of OCO Global, and included representatives from Derry City & Strabane District Council, Londonderry Chamber, Ulster University and the North West Regional College.  

Rosalind Young, Investment Manager at Derry City & Strabane District Council, said: “The Council is delighted to be able to showcase the North West City Region as a progressive and vibrant investment hub. We are a unique cross border region renowned for its thriving business environment, ease of doing business and access to incredible talent.” 

“Our vibrant digital and creative community, advanced manufacturing and engineering and professional and financial services sectors are expanding rapidly, with innovative new companies and leading international brands choosing this region to grow and prosper.

“It’s been great to work in partnership with Invest NI and other stakeholders to make the most of this visit.”

Anna Doherty, CEO of Londonderry Chamber, said: “The Derry-Londonderry region is well placed as an investment hub and our strategic setting offers a strong platform for investors seeking to establish firm foundations for future ventures. This has been an excellent opportunity for Invest NI staff from right across the globe to receive an insightful tour of all the North West region has to offer.”

During the visit the international teams also recieved an investor’s perspective, with a panel discussion of companies who have already invested in the region. Panel members included Aidan O’Kane, Director of IT Operations and Services at Allstate, John Harkin, Founder and CEO of Alchemy Technology Services, Gerry Kindlon, Director of Government Relations Europe at Seagate and Robbie O’Brien, Founder and Chief Evangelist of Meta Compliance.

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More than 100 investors attend Northern Ireland Investment Summit

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More than 100 of Northern Ireland’s innovative businesses were showcased to more than 100 global investors at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit held 12th – 13th September in Belfast. With more than 100 investors from the USA, Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific regions in attendance. The Summit marked a significant opportunity to demonstrate Northern Ireland’s innovation and technological strengths across its internationally renowned sectors, including advanced manufacturing, software and technology, financial and professional services, and emerging health and life sciences.

Panel sessions at the event focused on why global investors should choose Northern Ireland with breakout sessions for each of the key growth sectors. In addition, An Irish Goodbye directors and youngest ever Oscar recipients Tom Berkeley & Ross White hosted a session on Northern Ireland’s thriving creative sector.

Companies selected to showcase and speak at the event from the Northwest City Region include FinTrU, TEREX, FAST Technologies, Seagate and AFLO (Respiratory Analytics).

Northern Ireland, boasting a cost-competitive environment, attracted £19.2 billion in inward investment in 2021. This makes it an enticing hub for businesses seeking strategic growth opportunities.

The Investment Summit precedes a substantial Global Investment Summit later in the year. CEOs, investors, and financiers will converge to showcase the entire UK as an optimal investment location. The inaugural event in 2021 catalysed significant investments and job creation in green energy and tech.

To find out more about the business opportunities available in the city region https://investderrystrabane.com/

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FinTrU named in The Sunday Times 100, Britain’s fastest-growing private companies

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FinTrU has been listed in The Sunday Times 100, Britain’s fastest-growing private companies

The Sunday Times has named FinTrU in its list of Britain’s 100 fastest-growing companies. The list celebrates and applauds Britain’s 100 leading entrepreneurial business, shining a light on the people leading these private companies.


FinTrU Founder & CEO, Darragh McCarthy, said: “To be recognised in this list is a huge achievement for every one of us at FinTrU, and something which we can all be proud of. It’s testament to the hard work every FinTrU employee puts in across the organisation, from here in Belfast to our offices in Porto.”

FinTrU placed 78th in the list and is also the only Northern Ireland headquartered company to feature.

The Sunday Times Business Editor, Jim Armitage said: “The founders of these exciting businesses are vital job creators and innovators. The top 100 performed exceptionally during the pandemic and are proving resilient in the face of inflation, higher interest rates and a weaker domestic economy.”

The complete The Sunday Times 100 2023 list can be viewed here.

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FinTrU announces the creation of 300 new jobs in the North West

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FinTrU has announced plans to invest over £20m by 2027, which will see the creation of 300 new jobs in Londonderry and a significant investment in the skills of its Northern Ireland wide staff.

Supported by Invest Northern Ireland, the new roles will see FinTrU’s North West operation double in size.

Founded in 2013 by Darragh McCarthy, FinTrU is a multi-award-winning technologically enabled Regulatory Solutions company that works with Global Investment Banks. FinTrU specialises in the areas of KYC, Compliance, Legal, Risk & Controls and Operations. The Financial Times has named FinTrU as one of Europe’s fastest growing companies for two years in succession.

Pictured L-R are: Mel Chittock Interim CEO, Invest NI; Steven Murtland Chief Financial Officer; Kathleen McDermott Executive Director; Greg McCann Executive Director and Darragh McCarthy Founder & CEO.

Darragh said the latest expansion is “a significant step which will see FinTrU grow to over 1,500 employees in Northern Ireland and significantly increase our competitiveness, catapulting us into a new era of business growth.

“FinTrU is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2023 and the North West holds a special place in the heart of our business. Since making our first investment in Derry/Londonderry in 2018, we have been blown away by the talent and were able to surpass our initial jobs target one year ahead of schedule. Following the announcement of our Letterkenny site last year, our newest investment is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to develop and champion the North West region and our staff who have helped us to grow here.

“Invest NI has been a vital partner in enabling our impressive growth to date and also in securing the long-term sustainability of our operations in both Derry/Londonderry and Belfast.”

Greg McCann is Executive Director & Head of FinTrU’s North West Office. Commenting on the talent offering in the North West, Greg said:

“FinTrU is an indigenous company to Northern Ireland and our people strategy is to attract, develop and retain the best talent in the marketplace. There are a lot of high-quality graduates coming from the local universities and colleges who have supported us to win new customers and grow our sales globally. We have also welcomed a large number of experienced professionals, who have returned to the North West to pursue the high-quality careers we can provide. It was a result of our fantastic talent that allowed FinTrU to win the Large North West Business of the Year at the North West Business Awards in 2022.”

Kathleen McDermott, FinTrU Executive Director, added:

“We have tripled our turnover in the North West in the last three years and as we further invest in the development of our people, we want to equip them with the skills and capabilities to further drive the growth and success of FinTrU. Our partnership with Invest NI empowers FinTrU to deliver specialist skills development programmes, which are critical to our future growth.”

The investment will offer valuable job opportunities for graduates of all disciplines and those wanting to change careers. Roles range from Graduate roles to more senior experienced positions.

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Speaking whilst on a visit to the company’s City Factory Office, Mel Chittock, Interim CEO of Invest NI said the investment was a vote of confidence for the North West:

“Job creation is only one part of the equation to build a productive, knowledge based, export driven economy; skills development is another. This investment delivers on both: 300 new jobs and a skills development package, which will see the company invest in its greatest asset, its staff.

“A highly and appropriately skilled workforce has a crucial role to play. The increased skills and capabilities that FinTrU gains will enable faster and increased company growth and will spearhead the development of a new Financial Services cluster in the North West region. 

“We have had a long partnership with FinTrU, since we first supported them to invest in Northern Ireland in 2014. We are pleased to be able to support this latest investment. Its emphasis on developing future leaders fits with the Department for the Economy’s 10X Vision by creating valuable job opportunities and addressing skills imbalances in the North West region. I am pleased to say that once in place, the jobs will contribute £8.6m of additional annual salaries to the local economy.”

FinTrU’s market-leading Graduate Programme is now open for applications in Derry/Londonderry. Applications can be submitted via www.fintru.com/grad. For a range of more experienced career opportunities, visit www.fintru.com/careers.

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Derry voted top town for business

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Derry has been named regional winner in the UK’s Top Towns for Business competition.

Locations across the UK were shortlisted on factors including connectivity, dedicated space, retail space, networks and leadership in the competition, run by Enterprise Nation in partnership with Dell UK and Intel UK.

After a public vote, Derry came out as Top Town for Business in Northern Ireland.

The awards aimed to shine a spotlight on the UK’s towns and cities that nurture entrepreneurial spirit to make a lasting impact on local communities and the economy.

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