TWO firm are creating almost 40 new jobs in Belfast.
Business processing outsourcer Echo Managed Services is adding 24 jobs to its base in the city while software company Anaeko is expanding with 15 new positions.
Echo already 650 staff at offices across the UK and is growing its existing 140-person strong workforce in Belfast after securing a new metering and billing contract.
The roles on offer span across customer services, revenue and collections, and involve engaging clients’ household and business customers from the office and out in the field.
The business has also set its sights on further growth, with both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland utilities and the public sector key strategic target markets.
Meanwhile, Anaeko is creating engineering, developer, systems architect and senior manager positions in an expansion backed by Invest NI.
Its CEO Denis Murphy said: "Over the years, we have developed hundreds of disruptive technology products and solutions for start-ups and multi-billion dollar companies alike. Our strategy to focus on the fastest growing cloud technologies leverages our unique competencies in these rapidly expanding markets.
"With Invest Northern Ireland's support we are moving quickly to put in place a highly skilled workforce that will enable us to grow our share of the Software Defined Storage, Enterprise Cloud Platforms and Cloud Monitoring markets."
Economy minister Simon Hamilton added: "Anaeko plans to capitalise on the significant opportunities it has identified by recruiting skilled and experienced staff to further develop and deliver its cloud technology products and services.
"The company is experiencing unprecedented growth in the areas of Software-Defined Storage, Enterprise Cloud Platforms and Cloud Monitoring. The creation of these 15 highly paid new jobs represents an ambitious step for this innovative company who already enjoy an excellent reputation in their field."
Echo managing director Nigel Baker said it was "an exciting time to be involved with Echo Managed Services in Northern Ireland and we are looking forward to what 2017 has in store for the business here".
“The decision to grow our workforce by 24 new members of staff here is reflective of our commitment to growth in Northern Ireland and we are keen to see our presence here continue to expand," he said.
"With both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland key strategic target markets for us, we fully expect this will be the first recruitment drive of many. This is the first stage of our growth plan, and with new and extended service offerings now available to businesses, we fully expect to continue to expand in the months ahead."
