IT AND recruitment group Parity is to set up a Microsoft centre of excellence in Belfast, creating 94 jobs.

The news came just 24 hours after local clinical diagnostics company Randox Laboratories announced plans to create 23 jobs at its Co Antrim headquarters.

Parity Solutions, the company’s IT division, said the new Belfast centre would be involved in developing “innovative information management solutions”.

Parity chief executive Alwyn Welch added: “These solutions will be developed in the centre by experienced professionals combined with talented local IT graduates.”

The centre will receive a support package totalling £630,000 (€721,000) from Invest Northern Ireland. The North’s Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Acting First Minister Arlene Foster said the investment by Parity had the potential to contribute almost £3 million in salaries to the local economy.

“The decision to expand operations in Belfast reflects the success of Parity’s current operation, the confidence it has in being able to recruit high-calibre information technology professionals and its commitment to Northern Ireland,” she said.