Business

WEA awards entry deadline is extended to April 18

Gold business partner Options unveils ambitious plans to generate 200 jobs in the next three years

WEA Awards
Niall McAleer from Options Technology (second from left) with other key partners at the launch of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. From left - Gary McDonald (Irish News business editor), Joanne Mallon (Queen’s University), Ellvena Graham (head judge), Martina Corrigan (Errigal Group), Orlagh O’Neill (Carson McDowell) and Chris Sherrard (Irish News editor). Picture: Colm Lenaghan

Businesses now have more time to get their entries in for the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards as the deadline to submit entries has been extended to Thursday April 18 at noon.

The awards, which will culminate at a gala dinner in Titanic Belfast on June 6, have been running since 2007 and are seen as the most prestigious in the north.

Among the firms who have come on board this year as a Gold business partner is technology firm Options, which has been blazing a trail of innovation, growth, and success.

Headquartered in Belfast, Options has risen to become an illustrious tech leader with ambitious plans to generate 200 new jobs over the next three years.



Beyond this, the company beckons with promising career trajectories and substantial investments in the hottest trends in global tech, including high-performance networking, cloud, security, modern desktop, AI (artificial intelligence), and market data solutions, alongside a tantalising array of travel opportunities for its growing team.

Options’ journey to success is nothing short of extraordinary. Founded in 1993 and steered by the visionary Wall Street tech entrepreneur Danny Moore, the company has consistently pushed boundaries to provide unparalleled solutions to its clients alongside powerful career paths for its people.

As president and chief executive, Danny brings his no-nonsense approach and passion for nurturing talent to the forefront.

With 200 new job opportunities announced, in addition to the 100 created in 2023, the firm’s recently launched Finance Fast-Track Programme is designed to accelerate the careers of ambitious finance professionals and emerging talent through hands-on experience in a high-growth business environment.

The programme comes on the heels of a pivotal leadership appointment with Laura McCann as chief financial officer, cementing the firm’s long-term strategy of building a world-class finance team serving the global business from its Belfast office.

Options is more than just a workplace; it’s a launch pad for success. Its dedication to employee development is evident in its emphasis on up-skilling. With significant investment in certification programmes in cloud solutions, software development, cyber security and artificial intelligence, alongside a supportive work environment and a culture that promotes continuous innovation, learning and excellence, employees can build meaningful, long-lasting careers.

Neil Delamere will return to host the 2023 awards.
Comedian Neil Delamere will return to host the 2024 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards

The company understands the value of global exposure in today’s interconnected world. For this reason, it offers new starts the chance travel to London, New York, Paris, Chicago, Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dubai and Auckland as part of its training programme.

Options stands at the forefront of shaping the future workforce, serving as a beacon for aspiring professionals eager to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

With a broadened recruitment scope which now includes engineering apprenticeships for students finishing their A-Levels, it has cultivated a sought-after reputation among ambitious young people who are considering an alternative to traditional university career pathways.