Version 1 announced the launch of a new Oracle Competency Centre in Belfast, creating specialist technology roles and strengthening the company’s Oracle capability across Ireland and international markets.
The announcement was made alongside Northern Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster MLA. The initiative received £359,000 of support from Invest Northern Ireland, part funded through the European Regional Development Fund.
Expanding Oracle Expertise
The new Oracle Competency Centre was established to enhance Version 1’s ability to deliver market-leading Oracle solutions and support services for customers across multiple industries.
The centre created opportunities for both:
- Senior Oracle Consultants
- Junior Oracle Consultants
The investment reflected Version 1’s ongoing commitment to developing specialist Oracle expertise and supporting growing customer demand for enterprise application services.
Investing in Northern Ireland
Commenting on the announcement, Justin Keatinge, Managing Director of Version 1, said:
“We are delighted to announce our investment in Belfast. Northern Ireland has a highly educated talent base of IT professionals and we look forward to establishing a strong and successful team.”
He added:
“Version 1 was the first Irish company to become an Oracle Platinum Partner. We are committed to continuously investing in and developing our partnerships, and we are delighted to be in a position to further expand our Oracle expertise to deliver innovative solutions and services for our customers.”
Continued Growth for Version 1
At the time of the announcement, Version 1 employed approximately 300 people across its Dublin headquarters and regional offices.
Founded in 1996 and privately owned by founders Justin Keatinge, John Mullen and director Tom O’Connor, the company had experienced significant growth:
- Revenue increased by 40% in 2011
- 2011 revenues reached €24.5 million (£20 million)
- Forecast growth for 2012 stood at 25%
The investment in Belfast formed part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its service capabilities and geographic presence.
Strong Oracle and Microsoft Credentials
As an Oracle Platinum Partner and Microsoft Country Partner of the Year 2011, Version 1 had developed extensive expertise across enterprise technologies and digital transformation services.
The company served customers across sectors including:
- Utilities
- Public Sector
- Financial Services
- Pharmaceuticals
- Retail
- Education
- Healthcare
Notable customers included:
- Airtricity
- 123.ie
- Irish Life
- Telefónica O2
- Revenue Commissioners
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Land & Property Services
Award-Winning Business
The announcement followed a series of significant industry recognitions for Version 1, including:
- IT Project of the Year
- Great Place to Work Best Large Workplace Award
- CIPD HR Leadership & Innovation Award
- Deloitte Best Managed Company Award
These awards reflected the company’s commitment to customer success, employee engagement and innovation.
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