TEXAS-based tech firm Bazaarvoice says it has continued to recruit throughout the first half of this year, despite coronavirus, with 25 new recruits joining its Belfast team since the start of lockdown in March.
The company's software powers the ratings and reviews used on the websites of some of the world’s leading retail brands, providing shoppers with guidance for their online purchases and crucial information to brands about what their customers like and dislike.
It set up its European base in Belfast three years ago and has an office in Castle Street.
Despite the economic uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, Bazaarvoice has appointed new team members for roles in software engineering, R&D, design, user experience and business development.
The new hires include several senior people from established technology firms in the north, underlining the attractiveness of Bazaarvoice as a challenging and exciting place to work following its decision to make Belfast one of its global innovation hubs for R&D, design and product engineering.
In February, it announced plans to hire at least 50 more people in Belfast before the end of this year. It currently has 70 staff members and is on track to hit its target with the intention of hiring 25 more people between now and Christmas.
The growth plans have been supported by a wider expansion of the company as Bazaarvoice last month acquired social media commerce platform Curalate, whose technologies turn images into digital storefronts that give consumers compelling shopping experiences online.
The integration will offer brands the ability to leverage inspirational social content to drive sales on social channels, on websites, and throughout the Bazaarvoice network.
Seamus Cushley, site lead and VP of research and development at Bazaarvoice: “This year hasn’t unfolded as anyone planned, but we’re continuing to work hard to ensure we navigate through this period as a team.
“Growing our team during this time doesn’t come without its challenges but the fact that we have been able to make some significant senior hires through the lockdown shows the industry is excited by our plans for the future.”
He added: “The acquisition of Curalate will further strengthen the offer that Bazaarvoice provides to our customers as we continue to grow globally as well as on the ground locally.”
