Foyle MP Mark Durkan welcomes new of 100 new digital jobs coming to Derry
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan says he welcomes the news today that Metaverse Mod Squad are investing in Derry, bringing 100 jobs.
Speaking from London, Mr Durkan said: “This is a vote of confidence in our city as a strong place for digital investment.
“Hopefully this will act as a magnet to attract further positive investment for Derry.”
The city has one of the highest unemployment rates in the North.
The US-owned firm’s new centre, located at the City Factory, is a major part of Metaverse Mod Squad’s expansion in Europe.
Announcing the investment, Employment Minister Jonathan Bell said: “Metaverse is an innovative and dynamic company operating in a fast growth sector and I welcome its decision to choose Northern Ireland as the location for its new European operations centre.
Employment Minister Jonathan Bell announces the 100 new jobs today for Derry
“This is a good news story for Londonderry as the 100 new jobs will offer employment to a wide range of people, from those with technical and marketing experience to new graduates.
“Metaverse prides itself on providing a flexible working environment where employees will have opportunities to work on projects they are passionate about and have many opportunities for internal career progression.
“Metaverse Mod Squad joins an emerging technology and innovation cluster of companies which have chosen to set up in the region which is 6th highest in the UK for FDI jobs per head of population.
“Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company support of £250,000, to help with initial business priorities, including creating new jobs.
“This support, along with the quality pool of talent available here, helped Northern Ireland secure these new jobs against competition from the Republic of Ireland.”
Since 2007, Metaverse Mod Squad has been the service provider for Global 2000 companies, government and not-for-profit agencies.
Technology, entertainment and gaming businesses have also relied on Metaverse to engage with their audiences and communities on a personal level across online, mobile, eCommerce, in-game, application, and social media channels.
Amy Ryan Pritchard, founder and CEO of Metaverse Mod Squad, said: “Digital engagement is critical to a company’s success and it’s an area that is set to grow significantly over the next few years.
“While we have been successfully operating in Europe with our distributed network of Mods since 2008, our clients and prospects want us to have an even larger and more involved presence; Derry is the first and essential step in this plan. With a talented and skilled workforce, a vibrant tech community and a supportive business environment, Derry is the right choice for Metaverse.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion welcoming the jobs announcement said: “I am delighted to welcome these high quality jobs to the city and district.
“This investment marks a growing confidence in our local economy and recognition of our skills base and reputation for innovation.
“This much needed investment will not only bring employment but it demonstrates the company’s confidence in the city and region as a competitive and innovative place to do business.”
The jobs boost comes as local companies flocked to the North West Regional College today to hear how the latest digital technologies can enhance their business prospects, with the launch of the Digital Derry conference.
Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with NORIBIC and Culturetech, have planned a packed programme of inspirational talks and workshops taking place today and tomorrow June 25, with digital experts on hand from around the world to share their experiences.
The conference is a highlight of Council’s Growing the Digital Economy Programme, and is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
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