Asos is to open a tech hub in Northern Ireland as it looks to develop the expertise it will need for future growth. The pureplay fashion retailer is investing £14m in the new site, which will create more than 180 jobs over the next three years.
The new Belfast hub will be up and running early next year, taking on an initial 52 members of staff working in areas from engineering to data science. That number is set to grow to 184 by 2024. Recruitment is already underway.
Cliff Cohen, chief technology officer at Asos says: “Asos is a fast-growing business and constantly looking to innovate through our technology. As we continue to scale our investment in technology, we are looking to hire talent across engineering roles into our new tech hub, and help foster talent in Northern Ireland by supporting its growing reputation as a centre for tech excellence.”
Asos chief executive Nick Beighton says: “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.”
Regional economic development agency Invest Northern Ireland is giving nearly £1.2m in support towards the new software engineering jobs, while Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy is funding pre-employment training of almost £1m over three years.
Northern Ireland economy minister Gordon Lyons says: “Today’s announcement by ASOS is a clear vote of confidence for Northern Ireland and our strong appeal as an investment location. Its new Belfast Tech Hub and the creation of over 180 jobs represents a major investment in Northern Ireland by the company. In return, our talent base will provide it with the high quality engineering resources it needs to deliver its international growth plans.
“Once in place, the new jobs will contribute almost £6.5million in additional annual salaries. Of the new roles, 130 will participate in my Department’s pre- employment Assured Skills training programme which will offer the company a pipeline of skilled graduates over the next three years.”
Kevin Holland, chief executive of Invest NI, says the new roles will offer a range of opportunities for software engineers and analysts, for those in the early stages of their tech careers and for those looking to join Northern Ireland’s digital workforce. “We very much look forward to supporting Asos to grow in Northern Ireland,” he says.
Asos is a Leading retailer in RXUK Top500 research.
