Kennedy reveals a substantial £3.8 million investment from the U.S. firm Frontline.

26 Oct, 2023

Kennedy reveals a substantial £3.8 million investment from the U.S. firm Frontline.

Joe Kennedy III, the U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, has revealed that Florida-based insurance technology company Frontline is set to establish an engineering development team in Northern Ireland, with a substantial £3.8 million investment that will result in the creation of 31 high-quality job opportunities.

This endeavor receives support from Invest Northern Ireland, projecting an additional £1.9 million to be added annually to the local economy through increased salaries. On a four-day visit to Northern Ireland news coincided with Joe Kennedy III leading a delegation of investment leaders and senior U.S. business.

Joe Kennedy expressed his delight, stating, "When President Biden came here in April, he spoke of plans for a trade delegation to Northern Ireland. I'm delighted that we have realized that ambition, and during our visit, I can announce this investment by Frontline."

Frontline, a leading property and casualty insurance company, has a focus on both personal and commercial lines. With a significant presence in the Southeast United States, encompassing Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and soon-to-be Virginia and Colorado, it is set to operate in Northern Ireland under the brand OpenData Belfast.

Ivan Roche, originally from Co. Cork brings his extensive experience and deep commitment to innovation and sustainability to his role as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of OpenData Belfast, located in Belfast's Gasworks. Roche expressed his excitement, saying, "I'm thrilled to lead this new team, which will create innovative products to support the next phase of Frontline's growth using the best local talent."

Before confirming the investment, Frontline's leadership team explored Northern Ireland, influenced by Invest NI's U.S. office and meetings with NI Connections, both advocating for the region's strengths. The Northern Ireland team will provide data analytics, data science, product development, and operational support to Frontline, with 26 of the 31 positions already filled.

Mel Chittock, Invest NI's Interim CEO, welcomed the investment, citing Northern Ireland's impressive credentials in skills, cost-effective business environment, R&D strengths, and government support, which set it apart from other considered regions for this operation.

Frontline joins 1,200 international companies currently operating in Northern Ireland, contributing significantly to the region's economic future, enhancing the fintech sector and expanding the skills base.

Frontline's Chief Information Officer (CIO), Kurt Bonigut, stated, "Frontline's objective is to continue creating new technologies to stay ahead of the market and the competition. Having learned of Northern Ireland's strengths, we were eager to invest here to create a team to support that objective. We have been impressed with the caliber of staff we've already taken on board and are evaluating future expansion of our presence in the region."