US company to tech on 50 software staff

Academy boost for design skills Talent pool aids growth

A US technology firm plans to take on “at least” 50 staff at its Belfast office over the next nine months.

Texas-based Bazaarvoice is recruiting staff in software engineering, R&D, design, user experience and business development.

The firm, which creates software behind ratings and reviews websites around the world, said it has expanded on its initial plans for the base which has become its first global R&D lab.

It added the expansion of capabilities came after it found high-quality talent available in the city.

Bazaarvoice CEO Keith Nealon said he was delighted the firm is continuing to grow its presence here. The Dubliner added: “New product innovations and acquisitions focused on driving measurable results for our customers have extended our leadership position and set us up for the next chapter in our company story.

“I am excited to lead the business into its next phase and excited Belfast

THE Design Thinkers Academy is partnering with a Belfast digital firm to bring the Design Thinking Fundamentals Course to Belfast.

Hosted in The Mac, the two-day event on April 7 and 8, supported by Big Motive, will give participants skills to develop and deliver will play a crucial role in the company’s global operations as we grow.”

Seamus Cushley, vice president of Bazaarvoice and Belfast site lead, said 2020 will be a big year for the company and the city will play a key role as it expands into Europe.

He added: “The team in Belfast is change, generate innovative ideas and build the mindset required to tackle major challenges within their organisations.

For further information, visit www. designthinkersacademy.com. creating business critical software that directly impacts how some of the world’s best brands run their businesses and interact with their customers.

“There are not many companies here with true potential to scale which also offer their teams the opportunity to deliver products that are used by millions of people every day.

“By the end of this year, Belfast will represent around 10% of Bazaarvoice’s workforce and will have an increasingly important role in the company’s global R&D function, which is helping drive growth into new markets.

“We are keen to recruit smart, curious, enthusiastic people from diverse backgrounds to join the team.”

COURSE Big Motive’s Sarah Pannasch and Damian Cranney Belfast’s five-star Merchant Hotel, inset, is embarking £750,000 on a significant its most investment of some of heralding a new era for iconic spaces, in the landmark attraction Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. The evolution of The Merchant’s Great Room Restaurant and Cocktail Bar will include a significant refurbishment of the Grade A listed building. Ark Housing Association Northern has announced an Ireland Ltd of £75million to build investment Supported by 550 homes by 2024. £12million from an initial investment of for Bank and the Department Danske Association Communities’ Housing Housing, which Grant programme, Ark manages 450 properties, currently more said it is committed to than doubling that number over the next five years. The Director of one of Northern Ireland’s biggest construction as companies has been appointed the new President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ian Henry, inset, director will with the Henry Group, oversee the networking group, and business support which represents more than 1,200 members.

EXPANSION Keith Nealon and Seamus Cushley