Business and IT solutions firm Parity is to create 94 jobs over the next three years through the opening of a Centre of Excellence in its Belfast office.

Regional economic development agency Invest NI is committing to and investing £630,000 in the centre which will be based at Dargan Road in Belfast, building on Parity’s established training centre.

Alwyn Welch, chief executive at Parity, says: “This new Centre of Excellence is central to our strategy and with the support and funding from INI, truly illustrates Parity’s strategy to capitalise on new technologies and market opportunities that we have identified.

 “Our aim is to provide internet-based collaboration and business productivity solutions to our customers. These solutions will be developed in the centre by experienced professionals combined with talented local IT graduates. In addition, Northern Ireland is in close proximity to our target markets within the Republic of Ireland and the UK, enabling Parity to effectively service customers across a wider area building on out work for clients with Northern Ireland itself.

 “A skills gap exists in the market for the supply of high quality services to Microsoft customers looking to improve their productivity and competitiveness. This will enable Parity to grow our Solutions business by exporting our services from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and the UK.”

Paul Rellis, managing director of Microsoft Ireland, says: “The Centre of Excellence will not only develop employees with Microsoft technical skills, but will also equip them with the key business skills needed for their role. This represents a great opportunity for ICT graduates wishing to pursue such a career.”