Online fashion retailer Asos is to invest £14 million (€16.38 million) in developing a tech hub in Belfast in a move that will lead to 184 new jobs being created over the next three years.
The hub is expected to be operational in early 2022, with 52 dedicated roles in the first year, growing to 184 by 2024, with recruitment already underway.
The company said it is looking to hire across a range of levels and job functions, including engineering and data science.
Invest Northern Ireland is contributing £1.2 million in support towards the new software engineering roles, while the Department for the Economy is funding pre-employment training to the value of almost £1 million over three years.
“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,” said chief executive Nick Beighton.
Asos, which reported revenues of £3.26 billion, was founded in London in 2000. Aimed at young adults, the online retailer’s website has more than 85,000 products.
“The development of the new Belfast tech hub and the creation of over 180 jobs represent a significant investment in Northern Ireland by the company,” said Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Economy Gordon Lyons.
“In return, our talent base will provide Asos with the high-quality engineering resources it needs to deliver its international growth plans,” he added.
