GDPR compliance specialists Briefed.pro is investing £760,000 to create 16 remote-working positions including barristers, sales, marketing, operations and IT staff, and further develop training for its Northern Ireland team.
Specialising in protecting clients from fines and possible prosecutions, the firm's data protection compliance products and consultancy services have been tailored for the legal, medical, retail, financial services, food service and construction sectors.
Invest NI has offered Briefed £158,998 of support towards the creation of the new jobs and the company’s skills programme.
Orlagh Kelly, founder and managing director of Briefed, said: “Levels of non-compliance in data protection processes have left too many companies facing fines up to hundreds of thousands of pounds when their processes have been insufficient.
“Many businesses now operate solely online, and a considerable amount of data is exchanged remotely, making them very vulnerable. The first time many know they have a problem is when they get a complaint and an investigation by the ICO.”
She added: “After successfully developing our GDPR compliance digital platform, our focus is to expand and bring more expertise in-house, so that we become the ‘go-to’ GDPR provider for companies.
“By investing in our people and their skills, we will create a team that is fully equipped with the expertise and confidence to take our business to the next level internationally. The roles will also help us to increase our own online presence through digital sales, so that we can scale faster globally.”
George McKinney, director of technology and services at Invest NI, said: “Briefed.pro is an innovative locally-grown firm which is investing heavily in growing its customer base and ultimately driving sales growth.
“Since taking part in our Propel programme in 2013, we’ve worked in close partnership with the company to help it get to the level it is at now. We’ve offered it a strategic mix of support, from R&D to develop its digital platform, to advice on opportunities in the GB market.
“This latest investment will create 16 new jobs which will allow it to drive its growth in export markets and tap into the talent on offer across all of Northern Ireland. With highly competitive salaries, the jobs will contribute £730,000 in additional annual salaries towards the local economy.
“To complement the company’s growth, we’re also offering support towards a strategic skills development programme. This will upskill new and existing staff in key areas of management & leadership, digital sales, and cyber security, so that it can successfully service its customer base and secure new business in the growing cyber market.”
