The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mr. Richard Bruton T.D. today announced that Cork company, SouthWestern, is to create 150 new jobs over the next three years. The company also announced a €3.5M investment in research and development with support from government through Enterprise Ireland.
Minister Bruton made the announcement when he visited the firm’s headquarters in Clonakilty, Co. Cork this morning. SouthWestern is a market leader in Business Process Outsourcing, servicing leading public and private sector clients in the Irish, UK and European markets. The firm currently employs 450 people in Ireland and another 150 internationally.
Minister Bruton said:
"Job creation is my number one priority, and if we are to turn the corner and get the employment growth we so badly need, we will have to focus on three things: reducing business costs, improving access to finance and encouraging innovation across the economy. Government does not create jobs, but if job-creating businesses like SouthWestern are to succeed and grow across the country, the government has a huge role to play. We must not only provide supports but must also provide leadership in the economy as a substantial actor in its own right.
"Today’s announcement that SouthWestern is creating 150 jobs and investing heavily in R&D in a regional location shows what can be achieved when government and innovative companies work together. I am determined to build on this and ensure that government keeps its end of the bargain so that good companies can replicate today’s announcement across the country in the coming years".
CEO of SouthWestern Jim Costello, said:
"We see great potential for growth in the public services, utilities, local government and financial services sectors here in Ireland and in the UK as well as in central Europe. The R&D programme on which the company is about to embark will concentrate on software development solutions for those four areas.
Mr. Costello also outlined that SouthWestern wished to play a major role in public sector reform and in delivering better services at lower costs to the public.
"We want to work closely with government agencies to help develop the most effective and cost efficient public services available. We see today as a launching pad for our future expansion and the expansion of the sector as a whole. It is our ambition to develop world-class services that ensure our growth and enhance the quality and international reputation of Ireland’s business process outsourcing sector."
Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland added:
"Business Process Outsourcing is a sector that has strong potential to make a significant contribution to the Irish economy over the coming years. Innovation and continuous investment in R&D is fundamental to realising that potential. With this ambitious R&D programme, it is clear that SouthWestern is committed to taking its place at the forefront of this important industry. Enterprise Ireland looks forward to continuing to work with SouthWestern on their growth and internationalisation."