Peter Robinson and Martin Mc\Guinness pictured with Brian Conlon, CEO, First Derivatives plc, centre, and Kevin Cunningham (MRP), far left, and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

FIRST Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today announced that First Derivatives Group are to create 484 high quality jobs in Newry.

First Derivatives plc, is a global provider of trading and risk management software systems and consulting services for multinational financial institutions and technology vendors.

The First Minister Peter Robinson said: “I welcome today’s announcement of 484 new jobs for Newry which will generate over £22million a year to the local economy in salaries and provide high quality employment opportunities.

“The Northern Ireland Executive has made growing our economy its number one priority and through continued job creation and expansion by companies such as First Derivatives Group we will meet that goal. First Derivatives is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful indigenous software companies and should be commended on its remarkable achievements in what is a highly competitive global market.

“I very much welcome that today’s investment will see First Derivatives Group grow its staff to almost 1,500 worldwide with clients from the top 100 global financial institutions.”

The deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “I am delighted to be in Newry for the announcement of 484 high quality jobs. This is another sign the Executive’s plans for jobs and investment are working. I congratulate Brian Conlon, CEO First Derivatives and his team who through their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit have developed a global company providing software and consulting services to the financial services sector.

“Today’s announcement is a clear indication that First Derivatives remain responsive to the evolving needs of global markets. They are a local company with an international reputation for quality of services and everyone involved should be proud of their achievements. I wish First Derivatives Group continued commercial success which will benefit not just the people of Newry but everyone in the north of Ireland.”

Invest NI has offered a total of £3.9million to support the Group’s expansion plans.

Welcoming the new jobs, Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: “One of Invest NI’s key objectives is to support the creation of high value jobs with salaries above the Northern Ireland average, such as those being created by First Derivatives today, as these will ultimately help to rebuild and rebalance our economy.”

Brian Conlon, CEO, First Derivatives plc said: “These investments will substantially increase the capacity of First Derivatives and enable the Group to develop new business in export markets. Critical to the success of our business is the quality of staff, and we know from experience that we can recruit excellent staff locally. Invest NI’s ongoing support continues to be essential to our growth plans.”

Invest NI has offered support of £3,285,000 for the 365 new jobs in First Derivatives.

It has also offered support of £595,000 for the 119 new jobs in Market Resource Partners.