Software centre to create 40 IT jobs

SMARTPIPE Solutions has officially opened its new software and development centre in Cwmbran.

The investment, backed by the Welsh Government, will create more than 40 highly skilled IT jobs.

Smartpipe, whose technology enables network operators to monetise their customer data in real time, opted for Wales because of the wealth of skilled resources.

After launching in 2014, Smartpipe’s solution is already being deployed by leading operators in Europe and the Middle East, and the hiring of a highly skilled product and technology team is due to play a key part in supporting the company’s further expansion.

Smartpipe has already recruited 13 new employees and is set to recruit more than 30 other IT engineering specialists in 2016.

It also plans to expand further in the UK and entry into new markets such as US, India, Indonesia and China next year.

The company, which has its sales and marketing functions in London, is developing new innovative technology and hardware to enable network operators to monetise their data in real time.

The new centre at Ty Coch was opened with £1m business finance from the Welsh Government, £700,000 from Notion Capital, £500,000 from Finance Wales and a further £4m from private investors.

Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, was joined at the opening by Smartpipe co-founders Tobin Ireland, executive chairman, and Tanya Field, CEO.

Mrs Hart said: “This latest inward investment in one of our priority economic sectors, ICT, is very welcome, and I am pleased to hear that the strength of the sector in Wales and the availability of high level skills was a deciding factor for Smartpipe to open its new centre here.

“This is exactly the type of investment we want in Wales – companies with innovation at the heart of their business that will create high-quality, highly skilled graduate level jobs and develop new technologies for a global market.”

Mr Ireland, added: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government has invested in Smartpipe, and the opening of our software and development research centre in Cwmbran marks an important phase in the company’s expansion.

“Smartpipe is a thriving, entrepreneurial company developing new technology solutions with innovation at our core. We are proud to be building our global technology business from its base in Wales.”