INSURANCE technology company Frontline, founded in Florida in 1998 and with more than 350 staff on its books, has established an engineering development team in Northern Ireland where it is offering £60,000-plus salaries.
The move comes as part of a £3.8 million investment, supported to the tune of £93,000 by Invest NI.
The investment, announced by US Special Economic Affairs Envoy Joe Kennedy III as part of a four-day American trade mission to the north, will create 31 jobs, of which 26 are already in place.
And it will generate £1.9m in annual salaries - which is equivalent to more than £61,000 averge per employee.
Frontline’s core business is property and casualty insurance focused on both personal and commercial lines.
It is one of the largest carriers in the south east United States with a presence in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and soon-to-be Virginia and Colorado.
The Northern Ireland team, trading under the brand OpenData Belfast, will deliver data analytics, data science, product development and operational support to Frontline
Based at The Gasworks, the regional operation will be headed up by Ivan Roche, who will be chief technology officer (CTO).
He said:?“I’m excited to lead this new team who will create innovative products to support the next stage of Frontline’s growth using the best of local talent.
“Frontline was made aware of Northern Ireland’s attractive business environment by Invest NI’s US office and through meetings with NI Connections, both of which are championing the strengths of the region.
“Before confirming the investment, our leadership team visited Northern Ireland and were impressed by what they saw and by the confidence that other US investors have in the region,” he added.
Announcing the investment, Joe Kennedy said: “When President Biden came here in April, he spoke of plans for a trade delegation to Northern Ireland. I’m delighted that we have realised that ambition, and that during our visit I can announce this investment by Frontline.
“Frontline is joining the many US investors who have experienced success and growth in Northern Ireland and is setting up its new engineering development team, taking advantage of the excellent skills available and the business-friendly environment, and it underscores the compelling proposition Northern Ireland offers.”?
Invest NI interim chief executive Mel Chittock said: “Frontline joins 1,200 international companies currently operating in Northern Ireland, which are helping shape the region’s economic future by contributing significantly to raising productivity and innovation activity. These new jobs will add to the local skills base and enhance our reputation in the fintech sector.”
Frontline’s CIO Kurt Bonigut added: “Our objective is to continue to create new technologies to stay ahead of the market and the competition.
“Having learned of Northern Ireland’s strengths, we were keen to tap into the opportunities for investment here to create a team to support that objective, and we have been impressed with the calibre of staff we’ve already taken on board and are already evaluating expansion of our presence here in the future.”
