Dublin-based company says Belfast staff can work remotely

Anne Beggs from Invest NI, Johnny O'Connell from Spectrum.Life and Dr Emelina Ellis from Spectrum Life

A Dublin-based company, which is investing more than £4m to develop an operation in Belfast, has said its staff will be able to work remotely.

Digital mental health and wellbeing company Spectrum.Life is expected to create 60 jobs by the end of 2024.

Half of the jobs are already in place, with 18 in Belfast.

It provides health and wellbeing support to more than 3,000 companies in the corporate, insurance and student sectors across the UK and Ireland.

The company's clients include Microsoft, PwC and Facebook.

CEO Stephen Costello said that 70% year-on-year growth in 2022 has prompted expansion and recruitment of new staff, with many of the jobs remote roles.

He explained: "It isn't just about trying to get jobs to one economic hub, it's about trying to get jobs to the whole of Northern Ireland.

"In total the salary contribution over two years will be £4m to Northern Ireland in total, so that's a considerable investment and would have economic benefit."

The move into Belfast has been supported by Invest NI.

The move into Belfast has been supported by Invest NI

Mr Costello said: "We've worked closely with Invest NI, particularly its team in Dublin, in getting to this point.

"We have benefitted enormously from its insight into the Northern Ireland market including skills availability, salary, and property costs.

"Invest NI has also facilitated key meetings with university representatives, other investors, recruitment agencies and professional services companies to help make the set-up process as smooth as possible," he added.

Anne Beggs, Invest NI's Director of Trade and Investment, said: "As well as making a positive economic impact, the investment will deliver positive societal outcomes through both the services provided by Spectrum.Life and the opportunities for flexible working offered within the company's hybrid business model."