Asos to create 180 jobs as it invests £14m in Belfast tech hub

Online fashion retailer Asos is planning to invest £14m in a new tech hub in Belfast in a move that will create more than 180 jobs over three years.

The new hub will be operational early next year, with 52 dedicated roles in the first year, growing to 184 by 2024, and recruitment already underway.

Asos said that recruiting across a range of levels and job functions including engineering and data science, the creation of the new hub in Northern Ireland is part of the wider strategic plans for the company’s tech team, which will enable it to support the continued growth and expansion of the group.

Chief executive officer Nick Beighton said: "As a rapidly growing business at the forefront of online retailing, we’re continually investing in our technology capabilities. Our new hub will provide us with cutting-edge tech expertise to support future growth. Belfast has a wealth of tech talent and we’re excited to be establishing a permanent base in such a vibrant city."

Cliff Cohen, chief technology officer at the retailer, said: "Asos is a fast-growing business and constantly looking to innovate through our technology. As we continue to scale our investment in technology, we are looking to hire talent across engineering roles into our new tech hub, and help foster talent in Northern Ireland by supporting its growing reputation as a centre for tech excellence."

To help secure the project, Invest Northern Ireland has been working with Asos since 2017. The agency has offered almost £1.2m of support towards the new software engineering roles and The Department for the Economy is funding pre-employment Assured Skills Academy training of almost £1m over three years.