Big changes are happening.
The online fashion retailer Asos is set to invest £14 million into a new tech hub in Belfast, and bringing 184 jobs along with it.
Over the next three years, 184 jobs are set to be created in the North, with Economy Minister Gordon Lyons saying that this decision by Asos to build the tech hub was a “clear vote of confidence” in Northern Ireland.
He said: “The development of the new Belfast tech hub and the creation of over 180 jobs represents a significant investment in Northern Ireland by the company.
“In return, our talent base will provide Asos with the high quality engineering resources it needs to deliver its international growth plans.
“Once in place, the new jobs will contribute almost £6.5 million in additional annual salaries to the local economy.”
He added that 130 of these new jobs will help participate in his department’s pre-employment assured skills training programme.
Nick Beighton, chief executive of Asos, said: “As a rapidly growing business at the forefront of online retailing, we’re continually investing in our technology capabilities.
“Our new hub will provide us with cutting-edge tech expertise to support future growth. Belfast has a wealth of tech talent and we’re excited to be establishing a permanent base in such a vibrant city.”
The Belfast hub will begin its work in early 2022, with 52 roles being created within the first year and reaching the 184 target by 2024.
Recruitment for the new hub has already begun and Stormont business support agency Invest NI has offered almost £1.2 million in support of the new software engineering roles.
As well as this, the Department for the Economy is set to fund pre-employment training worth almost £1 million.
