403 New Jobs Created in Belfast and Derry

Kainos is a leading technology solutions company operating primarily in the UK, and with customers in the USA and in continental Europe. Announcing the investment First Minister Peter Robinson said: 'I welcome today's significant investment announcement by Kainos, one of Northern Ireland's most successful indigenous IT companies. 'Over the last 30 years Kainos has built up a strong reputation for developing and delivering digital solutions, which is made possible by its innovative workforce. 'The company is now investing in a major expansion, creating 400 new jobs with an average salary in excess of £30,000 here in Northern Ireland. This expansion will drive sales and increase annual revenue by 25% year-on-year, to £94million, over the next three years. This growth will be substantially achieved through increased export sales. 'The Executive is committed to re-balancing and growing the Northern Ireland economy. We will continue to support business to enhance and expand job opportunities here to build on good news announcements such as today's.' The deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: 'Today is just the latest chapter in the Kainos success story. I congratulate Kainos for this investment with the new jobs contributing £12.4 million annually in salaries to the local economy. These jobs will create opportunities for both highly experienced technical staff as well as graduates entering the world of work. 'Kainos has kept a sharp customer focus with an emphasis on delivering quality products and services. This, backed up by attracting and retaining the very best people in digital technology, has fuelled their momentum. The £5million investment in staff skills will prepare their employees for the company's expansion in both existing and new markets. 'The Executive is determined to keep creating jobs in the private sector and create an environment which is 'pro-business'. I am pleased 30 of these new jobs will be based in Derry. We are working to ensure the appropriate support infrastructure for both existing and potential investors is in place across the north of Ireland.' Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: 'ICT is a key sector for Northern Ireland as it is helping to push our economic activity up the value chain. Kainos has not only been an important contributor to the growth of this sector, but has also been an excellent ambassador for Northern Ireland by hosting a number of inward investment visits from leading ICT companies to demonstrate the advantages of locating here. 'Kainos is also investing almost £5million in skills, including management and leadership development, to drive productivity and growth. This is an important element of the company's business plan, which will ensure it has the capability required to take advantage of new market opportunities.' Invest Northern Ireland has offered over £4.7 million towards the expansion for both job creation and training. The company currently employs over 700 staff across its Belfast, Derry, Dublin, London, Bristol and Gdansk (Poland) operations. Kainos provides digital technology solutions to over 150 global customers in Healthcare, Government, and Financial Services markets. Brendan Mooney, CEO of Kainos, said: 'Our ambition is to develop digital solutions that help our customers work smarter, faster and better, and this depends on having a capable and committed workforce. In Northern Ireland we are lucky to have excellent IT graduates and professionals. We bring talented people into the company and provide a career development framework that offers them the support and development they need to thrive. This not only develops a highly talented workforce, but also keep everyone motivated and excited about the future. 'This investment in over 400 new jobs over five years will enable Kainos to accelerate a wide range of global opportunities and achieve our ambitious growth targets.' Invest NI support for R&D is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.