Version 1 sees openings in Britain

IT consultancy firm Version 1 has announced €5 million in new deals and said it is planning to make its move into the British market next year.

The move is expected to result in further job-creation at its Dublin operation to support the expansion.

Among the new deals are an IT consultancy contract with the National Treasury Management Agency; an ICT support service contract with Northern Ireland’s department of finance and personnel; a maintenance and enhancement contract for the animal health computer system with the Department of Agriculture; and a support and maintenance contract for the systems covering the collection of motor tax and management of driving licences with the Department of Transport.

Steadily expanding

Version 1 has been steadily expanding in recent years despite the recession, although growth has been more muted. It has targeted companies seeking to save money through efficiencies and innovation.

The company, which increased revenues by 40 per cent in 2011 to €24.5 million, is expecting its growth trend to continue despite the downturn.

Its customers include Airtricity, 123.ie, Irish Life, Telefonica O2 and a number of State agencies and Government departments.

Recruitment at the firm, which provides managed business services to clients around Ireland, has been steady in recent years despite the economic downturn. It currently employs around 330 people, and says it will add a further 30 jobs in the first quarter of 2013.

Human resources director Jarlath Dooley said the next move was to open in Britain. Growth in the market would partly happen through acquisition, although the company had not yet pinpointed any definite targets.