Northern Ireland’s Enterprise Minister has welcomed a new expansion project by Deloitte in the North which could create 177 new jobs in Belfast.

Deloitte, one of the big four global consultancy companies, intends to expand its Belfast Technology Studio, which develops solutions for “real life business challenges”.

Arlene Foster said the latest investment by Deloitte, which is being supported by more than £1.2 million of funding from Invest NI, was an "important and prestigious investment for Northern Ireland".

“These jobs will deliver over £6 million annually in salaries and will provide employment opportunities for new and experienced graduates, not only from ICT disciplines but from analytical backgrounds such as science, technology, engineering or maths,” the Minister added.

Recruitment is already under way for the new jobs and Danny McConnell, technology partner at Deloitte Belfast, said the organisation is looking for people who are passionate about “innovative and emerging technology”.

Mr McConnell said the expansion of its Belfast operations will help grow Deloitte’s business. “This high-value investment is a direct response to major new opportunities we have identified in the provision of specialist and integrated analytics, digital and testing services.

“The fact we have chosen to further develop our Technology Studio in Belfast is testament to the skilled workforce and advanced infrastructure in Northern Ireland,” he said.