Deloitte UK’s Belfast technology centre of excellence signals new era

Deloitte has opened the doors of its analytics and digital hub in Belfast ahead of schedule and on track to meet its jobs target of 177 in three years.

The company has also said planning for phase two of the project is underway with details available later this year.

In 2013 Deloitte announced that 177 jobs would initially be created, but completion of the second part of the development may see that figure rise. Deloitte said last month that it plans to hire 500 people into its Belfast and London digital practices before the end of December 2015.

Dr Danny McConnell, partner at Deloitte, welcomed Enterprise, Trade and Investment minister, Arlene Foster, to officially open the building in Belfast’s rejuvenated Gasworks.

Dr McConnell said: “What we are doing today represents a fantastic investment in Northern Ireland, in Belfast and in the skills developed in our colleges. The work undertaken at Deloitte’s UK digital and analytical hub will have an impact globally. It’s a huge vote of confidence in Northern Ireland.”

Work carried out in Belfast will benefit major international businesses and projects will be channelled to the team from Deloitte offices throughout the UK and Ireland.

“Belfast will represent a true centre of excellence, employing graduates, those without degrees and experienced professionals,” said Dr McConnell. “We will take people into the Deloitte Analytics Training Academy and put them through a rigorous regime that will give them very portable internationally recognised certifications.

“The work undertaken will be challenging and interesting and in our new offices we have created an environment which represents a lot of fun, behind which lies serious commercial intent.”

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: “In little over a year it is remarkable to see how this expansion project by Deloitte has progressed, with some 75 new staff already based in this exciting technology studio. Deloitte is one of the world’s leading accounting and professional services firms and is part of a global network which services clients throughout the world. I welcome the decision by this internationally renowned company to locate its digital and analytical hub in Belfast, a decision which will help the firm to service its UK client base.”

Dr McConnell said: “We continue to recruit for expertise in technology and consulting, digital and analytics. There are a number of jobs available today and I believe that speaks volumes for our commitment to this great city and what it can deliver on the world stage. Work undertaken in Belfast will be exported around the world and Deloitte’s reputation in delivering quality, appropriate and innovative solutions will continue to attract further opportunities.”

He thanked Minister Arlene Foster for her support and her department’s help through Invest NI. He also paid tribute to the assistance given by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in setting up the academy; and to Belfast City Council’s help in making the new premises a working environment that benchmarks against the best in the world.

“One shouldn’t underestimate the significance of this building to Northern Ireland,” he added. “The growth of a digital economy is well underway, led by the minister and her team, her esteemed colleagues in DEL and of course the private sector.

“The recent announcement by Momentum of a digital strategy for Northern Ireland is commensurate with what we are doing at Deloitte. Expressions of that strategy can be seen here, down in the Titanic Quarter, the science park and in a myriad of companies throughout the region, which increasingly understand the impact of the digital world on our lives and our businesses.”

Dr McConnell believes Northern Ireland’s expertise in this fast developing industry is globally recognised and the region must continue to build on that reputation, shout it out and sell it.

End

Notes to editors

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte LLP, which is among the country's leading professional services firms.

Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), a UK private company limited by guarantee, whose member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see www.deloitte.co.uk/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press. 

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.