Over 100 new jobs announced with local software development company AquaQ Analytics

By Q Radio News

The Minister for the Economy has announced that tech firm AquaQ Analytics, is creating 123 news jobs as part of a £8.3 million pound investment. 

The announcement comes just hours after Finance Minister Conor Murphy revealed a £250 million funding package to deal with Covid-19 pressures.

The software development company will recruit both graduates and those already in the sector, to join their workforce.

Making the announcement, Dianne Dodds said: “This significant reinvestment by AquaQ Analytics is welcome news as we work to rebuild the economy post-pandemic. The potential of our digital sector was at the core of my recently published medium term economic recovery plan. 'Rebuilding a Stronger Economy' sets out a framework to deliver higher paying jobs, a highly skilled workforce and a more regionally balanced economy. It is through projects like AquaQ Analytics that we can being to realise this ambition.

“Big Data is a rapidly growing area of Northern Ireland’s tech sector. It is important to utilise and optimise data to obtain valuable business information that will help to revive industry sectors like hospitality and tourism following Covid-19.

“The company’s expansion with 123 new jobs will double its workforce, and help it to strengthen its position in export markets and diversify into new sectors. Once all are in place, the jobs will contribute over £3.2million of annual salaries to the Northern Ireland economy.”

🎥 Economy Minister @DianeDoddsMLA has welcomed the 123 jobs announced today by software development company AquaQ Analytics.

She says the positions will contribute over £3.2 Million in annual salaries for the NI economy: pic.twitter.com/MuToh8WzAn

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 1, 2020

Invest NI has worked with AquaQ Analytics over many years and it is now offering the company £861,000 of support towards the creation of the new jobs.

Jonny Press, Chief Technology Officer at AquaQ Analytics, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our Belfast team and have invested in new premises to support this growth, which we hope to move into when the time is right.

“The support we have received from Invest NI to create the new jobs, along with its continued advice and guidance, has played an integral part in our growth plans. These jobs will enable us to broaden the skillset across our team, increase the global reach of our business and meet the needs of our growing client base.

“The area of Big Data technology is something that we recognise will be of great importance to the wider tech sector, particularly as companies look at new ways to innovate due to Covid-19. As part of this, we are excited to be involved in the Girona collaborative growth programme supported by Invest NI, and bring our Big Data expertise to NI’s first smart micro-grid energy project.”

🎥 Jonny Press is the Chief Technology Officer at AquaQ Analytics.

The software development company says it’s continuing to grow and innovate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/1ZE39sVjOL

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 1, 2020

Brian Dolaghan, Executive Director of Business and Sector Development at Invest NI, welcomed the company’s investment: “We have a long standing relationship with AquaQ Analytics and are pleased to continue supporting the company as it strengthens its presence in Northern Ireland.

“Since establishing in Northern Ireland back in 2011, we worked with the company to support its growth. Our support has helped them create new jobs, invest in skills development and export markets which has resulted in AquaQ Analytics winning numerous contracts in global markets. It is this exact partnership approach which is catapulting the company forward and I look forward to seeing where this expansion takes it in the future.”