IT company to create 94 jobs

A Belfast IT company will create almost 100 new highly-skilled jobs, it was revealed today.

Parity Solutions is to establish a Microsoft centre of excellence with software development and consultancy positions to be filled by 2012.

Company chief executive Alwyn Welch said experienced professionals would work with local graduates.

"We are delighted with the support and funding from Invest NI and this investment truly illustrates Parity's strategy to capitalise on new technologies and market opportunities that we have identified," he said.

The business will provide internet-based business productivity packages for customers and employ 94 people.

It received more than £630,000 (€722,274) support from Invest NI.

Parity specialises in IT recruitment, especially for the public sector.

It has clients across the UK and Ireland, including BT, the Ministry of Defence and Northern Ireland Electricity.

Parity is listed on the London Stock Exchange, and has a turnover of around £150m (€171.97m). Its Belfast office is on the Dargan Road.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "Parity has over 40 years' experience in delivering IT, business and recruitment solutions in the UK and Ireland.

"The decision to expand operations in Belfast reflects the success of Parity's current operation, the confidence it has in being able to recruit high calibre information technology professionals and its commitment to Northern Ireland.

"In addition, it underlines the competitiveness of this region as a location for investment, even during difficult economic times."

The centre of excellence will contribute almost £3m (€3.43m) in salaries to the economy and will further strengthen the important and growing IT sector, the minister added.