Software NI

Bringing this opportunity to the attention of our members. Candidates from the Fintech/Financial Services and Software sector are of particular interest. 👇

Good to meet with Dr Neil Anderson, the new Director of Education at Queen's University Belfast | School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science EEECS, this morning on his first day in post to discuss his vision for software engineering and computer science courses and how they align with Software NI member skills requirements.

I spent this morning at Ulster University repping Software NI at the Computing Employer Advisory Board (CEAB) which is chaired by Jonathan Wallace and Software NI Board member Joanne McVeigh Ferguson. A useful forum for gaining greater insight into all the software related UG, PGT and PGR/PhD programmes across the university as well as enabling industry to feedback on areas such as course content, placement and graduate recruitment, emerging technologies and concepts etc.

This afternoon our CEO, David Crozier CBE, met with members of the the Invest Northern Ireland – Americas and Invest Northern Ireland Technology and Services team to discuss the Software NI vision and '50 and Five by 35' strategy. We explored trade and investment opportunities for our members, including how we can leverage their footprint in North America better. Huge thanks for the positive engagement Conor Dunbar, Michael Barton, Claire Gadd, Katy Emhardt, Una McCallan, Michael Conlon and Mark Reid

Software NI expands its membership by welcoming FinTrU, a leading provider of regulatory technology solutions for the financial services industry. FinTrU is an award-winning company that provides technology-enabled Client Lifecycle Management solutions for global financial institutions. Specialising in the areas of KYC (Know Your Customer), Compliance, Risk and Legal, FinTrU empowers its people to create innovative solutions for their clients – whilst complementing technology with expert teams. The company has a global presence with offices across Belfast, Derry-Londonderry, Letterkenny, London, New York and Porto. FinTrU's cutting-edge products are trusted by global financial institutions worldwide. The company is also planning to expand its software development, data science and product development capabilities in the North West region. The company joins Software NI as it continues to build its market development and collaborative networking activities in support of Northern Ireland's software industry . Software NI acts as a single voice at the intersection of industry and policymakers to represent the common interests of the sector and drive its ’50 and Five by 35’ strategy to grow the sector to 50,000 professionals, generating £5Bn GVA to the regional economy, by 2035. Software NI Chief Executive, David Crozier CBE, said: "We are delighted to welcome FinTrU to Software NI as our newest member. Their expertise in regulatory technology solutions for the financial services industry is invaluable, and their presence in our network will undoubtedly strengthen our collective capabilities and shape our strategy in this critical sector." Emma Pollock, Chief Technology Officer at FinTrU, said: "Joining Software NI is an exciting milestone for FinTrU. As part of this prestigious network, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, sharing our expertise, and contributing to the growth and success of Northern Ireland's thriving software industry. We are also excited about our plans to expand our data science and product development capabilities and are actively recruiting for those specialisms in the North West region across our offices in Derry-Londonderry and Letterkenny." Chris Clements, Director of Product Development at FinTrU, added: "We are thrilled to be part of Software NI. This partnership presents an excellent opportunity for us to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange knowledge, and explore new avenues for innovation within the financial technology space."

Looking forward to taking part in the Queen's University Belfast Graduate Talent for Tomorrow Employer Consultation event this afternoon repping Software NI members

📢 Can you help to improve computing education in schools? 🏫 We have launched a new mentoring programme designed to support computing teachers in Northern Ireland. They’re on the lookout for industry volunteers who are eager to: ✴ Share insights on the latest technologies ✴ Boost teacher confidence through knowledge exchange ✴ Solve curriculum related challenges This is a great opportunity for teachers and industry experts to collaborate and enhance student outcomes. Teachers and industry practitioners will voluntarily participate in the programme. The time commitment is approximately 2 hours per month and the format is short virtual meetings, with possible offline support. Already, 44 teachers from across Northern Ireland have joined the programme. They've expressed an interest in learning about coding, AI and cyber security. If you’re interested in helping them keep up to date with the software sector, its various disciplines, and the career opportunities that exist within it, please complete this short registration form: https://lnkd.in/eG596wNR Danielle Keenan Sinead Shackley Columb Duffy Education Authority (Northern Ireland) David Crozier CBE

Partnership between government and business is essential for Northern Ireland to fully realise its potential. Developing a shared understanding of the challenges we need to overcome and the strengths we can build on requires better coordination and decision making. Key issues including trade, economic development, climate change and childcare require strategic interventions from government and businesses across the UK. In #MissionBusinessGrowth, we’ve outlined why the next Westminster government should: ➡️Bring business expertise into policy development at an early stage ➡️Establish a forum for all devolved administrations to share innovative ideas and discuss mutual issues ➡️Improve co-ordination with a single point of direct business contact for all government departments ➡️Introduce key performance indicators for improved response times from departments and agencies ➡️Engage with the Executive and the other devolved administrations, alongside business through the East West Council to improve trade links between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK Read our proporsals for better working with governement in full: https://lnkd.in/d_D2VCdk #GeneralElection #GE2024 #NorthernIreland #BusinessManifesto David Crozier CBE Software NI Stuart Anderson Suzanne Wylie Stratagem

Today we are announcing our bold new vision to position Northern Ireland as a global centre of software excellence. Our ‘50 and Five by 35’ strategy aims to grow the local software sector to 50,000 jobs and £5 billion in gross value added (GVA) by the year 2035. The growth targets were unveiled alongside Software NI's new Chair team. Mark McCormack, VP and Managing Director for Aflac Northern Ireland, has been appointed as Chair, while Lorna McAdoo, Group Director Environment, Social & Governance and Version 1 NI Lead, will serve as Vice Chair. Tom Gray, Group CTO and Director of Innovation at Kainos, completes the team as co-Vice Chair alongside David Crozier CBE, CEO of Software NI. More detail on our website here: https://lnkd.in/ebnAFMfk #50andFiveby35

Great to work with some super businesses like Encirc | Cleaver Fulton Rankin Solicitors | Software NI | Construction Employers Federation (CEF) | Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) in the development of NI Chamber manifesto. Thanks also to Phoenix Energy & NIE Networks. And of course the incredible team at the NI Chamber Suzanne Wylie & Stuart Anderson Key themes for Mission: Business Growth 🤝A renewed partnership - Better working with government 💷A new fiscal framework - A new ambitious fiscal framework for Northern Ireland 📈Building a competitive proposition - Enhancing Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global leader 🌎Growing beyond these shores - Access to international markets ❌Reducing near market red tape - Easing access to our nearest markets 👨💻A workforce and workplace of the world future - Creating sustainable working environments It’s going to be a busy few weeks ahead… Connect Group Gráinne Walsh