Tag: #Office.

Jabra’s research reveals how audio volume affects performance and office vibe

9 in 10 (92%) UK workers say getting work done, being able to focus on work, and maintaining good mental health are equally important. But according to Jabra’s latest research, the role that audio plays on cognitive, emotional and physical wellbeing in the workplace cannot be undersold. Nearly three quarters (71%) of UK respondents say working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired, and that clear and high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks.  

The research was carried out amongst 2,000 knowledge workers across France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. The findings revealed that improving neurodiversity in the workplace and creating an inclusive space can positively influence mental wellbeing and productivity, ultimately encouraging better mood and providing organisations with a competitive advantage.   

Office buzz or a productivity buzzkill? 

While organisations are continuing to push for employees to return to offices, half (50%) of UK respondents say they are stressed by noise at the office not allowing them to focus. 

Jabra’s research found that 47% say it was difficult for them to be productive at work when colleagues were taking calls at their desks without headphones. Meanwhile, 49% reported it was equally difficult to lead or participate in calls when colleagues are taking calls from their desks without headphones. To avoid noise and limit distractions, over half of UK workers (53%) say they are expected to take calls or online meetings away from their desks in a separate room and use professional headphones (66%).  

The findings show the impact noise has on overall productivity and performance. With 72% saying clear and high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks and projects, it is critical that leaders do all they can to provide the right technology and a conducive environment for employees returning to the office, to avoid the productivity buzzkill.  

Loud environment and its impact on mental wellbeing  

Poor audio quality has negative consequences on work and wellbeing, with 58% of UK workers saying poor quality audio during conference calls negatively impacts their wellbeing.  

The impact loud environments have on mental health and wellbeing is clear: nearly three quarters (71%) say working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired. Furthermore, six in ten respondents agree that working in a loud environment makes them physically tired (60%) and it is difficult for them to feel passionate about their work when working in such an environment (59%). 

Workers also believe higher-quality meeting audio can positively impact their interpersonal skills in the workplace through clearer communication (46%), improved collaboration (44%), and enhanced communication skills (39%).  

While noise has a negative impact on overall mental health and wellbeing, workers believe employers have a responsibility to address audio issues in a variety of ways. This ranges from providing noise-cancelling headphones as part of standard office equipment (36%) and allowing employees to work from home more frequently (39%). Over a third (34%) say their employer could also designate specific areas for different types of activities such as quiet zones or collaborative zones to ensure employees have the options available in the offices for optimal performance and mental wellbeing.  

Inclusive and neurodiversity in the workplace fuels business results 

Neurodiversity refers to the diverse number of ways a human brain processes information. It highlights there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how people approach a similar situation. The research findings show that this concept applies to the workplace too.  

Despite being a relatively new concept to UK workers, with 21% saying it was the first time they were hearing about the term “neurodiversity”, around 7 in 10 believed that neurodiversity in the workplace can improve business through increased creativity (72%) and collaboration (74%) – ultimately driving better business results (71%).  

It is clear from the research findings that audio levels have a varied effect on workers and can have a profound effect on overall health and quality of life. Improving neurodiversity in the workplace can be a way to boost work performance (61%), and employees are more empowered to “bring their whole self to work” in an inclusive workplace (60%). With a positive impact on both business and employees, nearly two thirds (64%) of UK workers agree that employers should invest more in creating an inclusive, neurodiverse workplace. Gone are the days where workplaces solely catered to a single type of employee, and an evolution is needed to ensure employers are catering to different individual needs within the workforce.  

Nigel Dunn, VP EMEA North at Jabra, said: “The way of work is constantly evolving, and with the return to the office, UK workers are struggling with the ability to focus in the workplace. Sound type, intensity and individual sensitivity play significant roles in how we function at work and have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing, and productivity and performance. GN’s recent “Listen to This” campaign highlights the strong link between audio and our overall cognitive and mental wellbeing. UK leaders need to invest in creating an inclusive and neurodiverse workplace, combined with high-quality technology to ensure workers can bring their true and best selves to work and thrive professionally and mentally.”  

Please see here for the full report

Expert suggests summer of sport TV time for workers may boost return to office and team morale

As we approach a summer of sport across Ireland, many avid supporters may be looking to keep up with their sport of choice. With Euros already begun, Wimbledon on the way and the Paris Olympic Games kicking off from July, many workers residing in the office may hope to catch matches and games whilst at work.

Past YouGov studies have revealed only 23% of employees at a permanent workplace have permission to watch TV at work, meaning a large portion of the workforce will miss out on watching the action live, or worse, will instead choose to miss work so they can get involved in the action elsewhere.

The same survey noted that almost 1 in 3 (29%) of workers would like the opportunity to watch sporting events whilst at work. More than a fifth of male employees surveyed in the research suggested watching sporting events encourages ‘good team spirit’ in the workplace.

Is TV time at the office the key to boosting team spirit and morale?

Shane Duffy, Managing Director at Click Offices says that hosting watch parties in the workplace is a great way to not only encourage employees into the office, but to also provide flexible working solutions that fosters greater team morale.

“We all know how hard it’s been to get people back to the office since the pandemic, and with more people than ever choosing flexible working patterns that allow them better work/life balance, you really have to make coming to the office a worthwhile affair for employees.

It’s all well and good providing varied work environments and top of the range serviced offices, but employees are wanting more than just coffee making facilities and proximity to a good sports bar to watch the game after work.

“Gen Z especially are wanting more of an experience from their work days, and their motivations are different to the generations before them. It’s not just all about the money for them, they want to feel like they’re part of a team, they need motivation in other ways.

A survey recently showed that more than half of Gen Zers say that watching live games is one of the best ways to engage with the Euros especially, and so combining their passions outside of work with an enthusiastic work environment is an easy way to attract and maintain the Gen Z workforce.

“What’s more attractive to employees than coming together with your work mates to watch some sport, enjoy some food, have a laugh and maybe answer a few emails while you’re at it?”

How to balance fun work environment with HR-approved inclusivity

Hosting a workplace watch party isn’t as easy as bringing in the big TV and putting on some food and drink for the team – there are a number of things employers need to be mindful of when encouraging staff to let their hair down in a professional environment.

David Rice, HR expert at People Managing People shares his top tips for hosting a workplace watch party that won’t get you in trouble with the HR team.

  1. Keep Things Inclusive

“Just make sure you create a welcoming environment for everyone. That means food options for everyone, including those with allergies or dietary requirements. Put out a quick survey so you know if there’s anything people can’t enjoy, such as gluten or shellfish. This way you have options for everyone.

“As for alcohol, you’ll want to think about the fact that some folks don’t drink or may be in recovery for alcoholism and provide support if the event is triggering in some way. Whether that’s pairing them with other people in recovery or creating alcohol free spaces for them to enjoy.”

  1. Avoid Creating Distractions

“These sorts of events are good in a few ways. For one, they definitely boost morale and create a sort of bonding experience for employees where they can find common ground and chat with people they wouldn’t normally interact with. But it also breaks up the monotony of the working calendar and provides something memorable. This is a nice way to mark a time of the year and create memorable experiences in the workplace.

“If it becomes excessive, it can be a distraction. If you have employees who are fans of other countries, it’s important to be respectful of everyone and celebrate their cultures. Nationalism is inherent to some extent in international sports, but that can turn ugly if nurtured in the wrong way.”

  1. It’s Not That Deep

“Since the Ancient Greeks, sport has been used to entertain, celebrate and enjoy a distraction from daily life. This time in history isn’t that different and we should use it to remind ourselves that life isn’t just corporate deadlines and P&L reports.

“Sports inspire people to try harder, take better care of themselves, overcome adversity and work together. That’s why they’re such a great metaphor for teamwork in all settings, but in this case, the CEO doesn’t have to make some cringey reference to getting the ball over the goal line, people can just see the dynamics of teamwork and how everything comes together by watching what plays out.”

  1. Promote Workplace Flexibility

“Summer tends to be a period in which people cash in annual leave or they tend to disengage as their desire to be out and about in the sunshine increases. By embracing these types of events, you allow for people to break without actually taking holiday or just actively disengaging. They’ll appreciate your flexibility and understanding of the importance of such events in the national culture.”

For more information on serviced office solutions in Dublin, please visit Click Offices: https://www.clickoffices.com/serviced-offices/ireland/dublin

A fifth of office workers in Ireland have access to the company data of a previous employer

HCS, a leading IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services company, is today announcing the results of new research which found that nearly a fifth (19%) of office workers in Ireland still have access to the company data of a previous employer. Of these, 48% use that previous employer’s data to help them in their current job.

The research of 503 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of HCS, with the support of Fortinet, a global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. The aim of the survey was to explore office workers’ attitudes to, and experiences of, cybersecurity at work. The full results and analysis of the survey are available as part of a new report by HCS called ‘HCS CyberWatch Report: Insights into 2024’s Cyber Threats’.

The study also highlighted the risk that current employees can pose to data security within organisations, if effective access controls are not in place. Of those surveyed, 43% say that in the job they have now, they have access to privileged or sensitive company data that they shouldn’t, and 52% of these admit that they access it. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that 61% of office workers don’t trust their employer to protect their own personal data.

Meanwhile, 15% of office workers say that their organisation’s cybersecurity measures prevent them from doing their job effectively. Some of those surveyed are finding ways around this, with 22% of office workers admitting to having bypassed internet access controls implemented by their organisation by using tools such as a web proxy to access blocked sites.

When it comes to working arrangements, it appears that there is still a way to go in making employees feel secure and supported outside of the office. Almost a fifth (19%) of those who work remotely or on a hybrid basis feel more vulnerable to security risks when working from home, while 27% feel they have less technical support. Some 48% of remote or hybrid workers access their company network via a secure VPN, while the same percentage (48%) use home Wi-Fi.

Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said: “These findings highlight the urgent need for organisations to proactively manage access permissions and implement robust access policies. In doing so, businesses can mitigate the risk of unauthorised data exposure and protect their valuable assets against potential breaches. In addition, providing ongoing awareness training can empower employees to play an active role in protecting company data. Not only will this bolster the security of sensitive customer and company information; it will uphold trust with employees regarding the safeguarding of their own personal data.

“It’s concerning to see that employees are finding ways to circumnavigate organisational security measures. Organisations need to ensure that the cybersecurity infrastructure in place is robust, while also setting out clear protocols for employees. Meanwhile, it’s crucial that employees feel supported when working outside of the office. A well-defined remote or hybrid work strategy should have cybersecurity at its core to enable employees to work securely and efficiently, with speedy remediation in the event of an issue to minimise downtime.”

More than half of employees in Ireland suffer from productivity anxiety

Workhuman, the company revolutionising the way employees celebrate, connect with and appreciate each other in the workplace, today announces new findings from its Human Workplace Index, which found that 64% of employees in Ireland are suffering from productivity anxiety. Recognition is a key element in helping to improve employees’ wellbeing, with 57% saying they would feel less anxious if they received proper recognition for their work.

The research also found that although 58% of employees said they feel more productive at the office, a gender disparity exists in perceived in-office productivity. While 71% of male employees felt they accomplished more on in-office days, only 33% of female employees reported the same. Despite this, women are more likely to work in the office five days a week compared to men, with 58% of women required to be in the office, versus 30% of men.

The survey of 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into workplace sentiment, productivity and wellbeing.

Additionally, while work-life balance is highlighted as the most important aspect of workplace wellbeing for 65% of Irish employees and 31% believe that companies facilitating work-life balance are more successful in fostering employee-employer trust, there are significant disparities in the distribution of wellness benefits between men and women. Nearly half of employees report receiving wellness benefits or perks in addition to standard benefits and say they improve their overall wellbeing, but men are more than twice as likely to have access to perks like gym memberships, healthy snacks, and in-office wellness spaces compared to women.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience, Workhuman, said: “With ways of working constantly evolving, it is not surprising that employees may be feeling more anxious about whether they are achieving enough at work, and being noticed for it. With recognition being the number one factor employees stated can help with their anxiety, leaders must start prioritizing this to foster a supportive work environment.  

Our survey also shows a discrepancy between men and women when it comes to working arrangements and wellbeing perks. With more than half of women saying they are more productive at home, but most of them being required to work five days a week on-site, it’s clear that leadership needs to be more in tune with the individual needs of its employees when designing flexible work policies and wellbeing benefits packages. Understanding and addressing these gaps is essential for companies to foster a fair, supportive, and productive work environment for all employees”

RoviSys Embarks on Expansion: Unveils New Dublin Office in Ireland

RoviSys, a premier provider of automation and information solutions, proudly announces the opening of its newest office in Dublin, Ireland. Strategically positioned in the heart of Europe, this expansion underscores a commitment to growth and its dedication to serving clients across the European Union.

The new office in Dublin marks a significant milestone in the RoviSys strategic vision for expansion, particularly within Ireland and the broader EU market. With a team of seven dedicated engineers already in place and 65 employees across Europe, RoviSys aims to bolster its presence by targeting a remarkable 200% growth in Ireland over the next 18 months. By the conclusion of 2025, the company plans to employ up to 30 professionals in Ireland, further solidifying its foothold in the region.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke said: “Congratulations to RoviSys and all the team in Dublin on the opening of their new office. RoviSys’s innovative solutions to automation will complement Ireland’s thriving technology sector immensely. It is very exciting news that they have chosen Dublin as a location for their expansion withing the EU. They will have an abundance of talented engineering professionals here to fulfil positions as they grow. Best wishes to RoviSys and team on this new chapter.”

“Our expansion into Dublin represents an exciting chapter for RoviSys as we deepen our commitment to serving clients throughout Europe,” remarked Matthew Wise, President, RoviSys Europe. “With Ireland’s vibrant technological landscape and strategic position within the EU, we are confident that our presence in Dublin, combined with our Netherland’s office location, will enable us to better serve our clients, drive innovation, and expand our reach across diverse industries.”

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland said: ‘’I am delighted that RoviSys have chosen Ireland as the location for their newest office and have announced plans to hire up to 30 employees here. This is a great vote of confidence in the skilled engineering workforce that companies can find in Ireland. I wish RoviSys every success here in the coming years.’’

In additional to geographical expansion, the RoviSys growth strategy is focused on cultivating new and lasting partnerships within the local business community. The company looks forward to collaborating with businesses, organisations, and institutions in Dublin and beyond, contributing to the region’s advancement and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in industrial technology.

Half of office workers in Ireland have clicked a link in a suspicious email in the past year

HCS, a leading IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services company, announced the results of new research that explores office workers’ attitudes to, and experiences of, cybersecurity at work. The study found that in the past 12 months, more than half (51%) of office workers in Ireland have clicked on a link or attachment within a suspicious email sent to their work email address.

The research of 503 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of HCS, with the support of Fortinet, global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. It found that 50% of those who admitted to clicking on a link and/or attachment in a suspicious email also claimed to be confident that they can identify phishing emails when they receive them.

Of those who opened a suspicious link or attachment, 61% reported it to the proper authority in their workplace immediately, while 34% reported it within the same day, but not immediately.

As employees can often be the first point of attack for cyber criminals targeting businesses, those surveyed were asked how they determine whether a communication received on a work-related device is legitimate. The survey found that 65% check whether it has come from a caller or sender that they recognise, 53% check whether the caller or sender is asking for private or sensitive information, and half look for grammar or spelling errors. A quarter (25%) contact the caller or sender via another form of communication to confirm their identity.

As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, 67% of those surveyed say they are aware of their company having a plan or protocol in the event of a successful cyberattack. Despite this, just 41% of office workers said their employer has provided formal cybersecurity awareness training in the past year. Of those who haven’t received any cybersecurity training in this timeframe, 79% said that their previous training is not sufficient to keep pace with modern cyber threats.

When asked what they perceive to be the biggest cyber threats to their business in 2024, Irish-based office workers named human error (49%), malware (49%) and social engineering such as phishing (43%). Some 42% say phishing attempts are becoming more convincing.

Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said: “This research serves to highlight some of the real-world cybersecurity risks facing businesses. Employees are often the weakest link in an organisation’s chain of cyber defences, so it’s concerning to see that a large number of the employees who were deceived by a suspicious email also believe that they are alert to cybersecurity threats.

“Evidently, the training that employees are receiving – if any – may not be enough. The survey underscores the need for regular cybersecurity awareness training within organisations. The reality is that – particularly now, given the speed of advancement in AI – what could have sufficed 12 months ago may now be outdated. Complacency in this area could prove to be the biggest threat to businesses.

“Our research also shows that it’s not enough to just have a strategy in place in the event of a cyberattack. Any strategy needs to be tried and tested across the business and continually updated as cyberattacks continue to become more advanced. At HCS, we see first-hand the daily challenges posed to customers by cyber criminals attempting to exploit vulnerabilities. We ensure that security is at the core of everything that we do for our customers, minimising risk and enabling better business performance.”

Paul Donegan, Country Manager Ireland, Fortinet: “These findings underscore the need for continuous improvement within organisations. In a cyber landscape that’s becoming ever more complex, businesses must make cybersecurity a key priority and they must equip their employees with the tools to do the same. That’s why through the Fortinet Training Institute we are committed to supporting companies of all sizes to keep pace with evolving cybersecurity trends and skill sets with appropriate cybersecurity training and courses for every person in the organisation.

“It’s also important that employees understand the importance of putting their hands up if they make an error of judgment or are misled by a fraudulent email or call. It’s crucial to get out in front of a potential breach, and employees need to realise that time is of the essence and report an incident as soon as it happens. It’s up to organisations to promote this from the top down and instill a sense of cybersecurity ownership and responsibility across the business.”

ServiceNow opens new central Dublin office as growth in Ireland continues

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the leading digital workflow company making the world work better for everyone, today officially opened the doors to its new offices with four floors in 60 Dawson Street in Dublin city centre. The relocation of the company’s Irish headquarters will further support its growing business and employee base in the region.

The expansion of ServiceNow’s Irish real estate footprint comes after the company announced its intention to create a further 400 new roles in June last year, effectively doubling its workforce in Ireland in the coming years. With half of those jobs already filled, the business is ahead of schedule in achieving that target.

“We welcome ServiceNow’s expanding presence in Ireland,” said Neale Richmond TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment “The move represents not only a boost to our  robust tech sector but also a growing confidence in our local economy and the outstanding  talent available. We look forward to a renewed promise of innovation, collaboration and shared prosperity.”

The new space will house over 37 different global and regional teams across a range of core functions, including engineering, sales, global talent, digital technology, finance and legal.

“Our move to a larger property is a result of our continued growth as the platform company of choice for digital business,” said Mark Cockerill, Senior Vice President, Legal at ServiceNow. “Several regional and global roles that support our global growth are increasingly being based in Ireland. These improved facilities will enhance the employee experience for our growing and diverse team and reflective of our continued investment in our people.”

Executive Director of IDA Ireland Mary Buckley said “As ServiceNow opens  its new LEED Gold office in Dublin, it highlights Ireland’s position as a premier destination for innovative companies seeking to expand their presence in Europe.. This reinforces Ireland’s standing as a dynamic, forward thinking economy and is testament to the availability of talent.”

The state-of-the-art offices, occupy almost 8,360 square metres across the top four floors of the prestigious premises. In addition to employee workspace, the offices feature dedicated training, collaboration and team-building spaces, as well as yoga and mothering rooms, meeting the needs of a modern and inclusive workspace. With a focus on quality, sustainability and wellbeing, the smart infrastructure and open-air terraces are designed to enable employees  to thrive.

“ServiceNow has been present in Ireland since 2018 and it has been a key part of our rapid growth across both in EMEA and globally, as corporations and governments across the world, turn to the power of our platform to fulfil their digital needs and improve their speed and efficiency,” added Cockerill.

In the last five years, ServiceNow has grown from a handful of employees in Ireland to more than 600. The bolstered Irish office space is also testament to ServiceNow’s strong employer brand, as recognised by Great Place to Work, firmly cementing its values of teamwork, belonging and customer-centricity in its company culture.

State Street Officially Opens its New Kilkenny Office

State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors, today marked the official opening of its new office building in Kilkenny.

State Street established its Irish operations in 1996 and has grown to become one of the largest international financial services employers in Ireland. With a presence in Kilkenny for over 20 years, State Street was the first company in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), to establish a regional base outside of Dublin. Today’s opening ceremony, hosted by the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, T.D. and by State Street chairman and chief executive officer Ron O’Hanley, signifies a major milestone in the firm’s ongoing commitment to the region and to Ireland.

“Our new office and global cybersecurity centre reflects State Street’s commitment to Ireland and our confidence in the South-East region’s exceptional talent pool” said Ron O ’Hanley, chairman and chief executive officer of State Street. “We are grateful to the Irish government for its support in our continuing journey to enhance our operational capabilities by leveraging Ireland’s exceptional workforce and its strength as a fund domicile and ecosystem.”

The availability of relevant and skilled technology talent from universities in the South-East region, alongside the need to support global operations outside of the US, are two of the key reasons for the firm to select Kilkenny as its regional base.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath said: “I want to congratulate State Street on this important milestone for their regional operations in Ireland. The Kilkenny operations are a vital element in the development of the international financial services sector in the South-East region and the cybersecurity centre is a testament to links they have developed with the third level institutions. State Street is one of the largest employers in financial services and I want to wish all the team in Kilkenny the very best and continued success as they build out their exciting new cybersecurity global business in the new offices.”

Located at IDA Ireland Business and Technology Park, the new state of the art building is also home to State Street’s recently established global cybersecurity centre of excellence, the only dedicated cybersecurity hub outside of the US, supporting the needs of its employees in over 200 geographic markets worldwide.

Terri Dempsey, country head of Ireland, added: “The establishment of this new office will amplify the work State Street has been doing in Kilkenny for over twenty years, deepening our connections to local community, businesses and institutions to nurture growth and innovation. Kilkenny’s thriving talent pool and dynamic innovation landscape make it an ideal base for our established cybersecurity fusion centre and enables us to actively promote female participation in the tech industry. Government policies and the continued support from the IDA have laid a solid foundation for State Street to grow together with the people of Kilkenny and for the prosperity of the region.”

State Street was recognised as the leading provider of fund administration services and custody services, and transfer agent in Ireland in The Monterey Insight 2023 report. Together with State Street Global Advisors, State Street’s asset management business, the firm has grown over the years to become one of the largest international financial services employers in Ireland.

In addition to its strategic importance to the firm, the modern building also reflects State Street’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility, including energy management systems, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting achieving BER A3 rating. The building has also integrated biodiversity elements and prioritised employee well-being with Fitwel certification, ample bicycle parking, walking trails, beehives, fitness hubs and diverse accessibility features to create a sustainable and employee-centric environment.

Irish Transport Intelligence Provider CitySwift Accelerates Expansion with First UK Office Opening

CitySwift, the leading company in data intelligence for the public transport sector, has today announced the opening of its first UK office, located in central London. The expansion, heralding the creation of 50 new jobs, was marked by a celebratory event at the new office today, with Minister of Finance Michael McGrath in attendance as part of a broader Enterprise Ireland delegation. Enterprise Ireland is supporting CitySwift’s scaling journey in the UK.

The office, overlooking Paddington Station in London marks a new chapter in CitySwift’s journey, as the Galway-founded company looks to create 50 jobs in its offices both in the UK and Ireland over the next two years. These jobs will include roles in Data, Product, Engineering, Customer Success and Account Management.

Brian O’Rourke, co-founder and CEO at CitySwift, said: “This is the latest milestone in our journey at CitySwift, with our new office and partnership with Transport North East, we aim to reaffirm our continued dedication to delivering real value to our customers. We’ve seen incredible growth in the last year, having closed our latest funding round a few weeks ago and we are eager to drive on and focus on expanding CitySwift’s offering across the UK, and to continue growing our exceptional team.”

Founded by Alan Farrelly and Brian O’Rourke in 2016, CitySwift works with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data. CitySwift’s platform aggregates, cleans and enriches data from hundreds of sources, providing both operators and authorities with an accurate single source of truth. Rapid access to accurate data across the entire network fuels this collaboration, enabling both parties to take a more dynamic, data-driven approach to move passengers away from private modes of transport to more sustainable, climate-friendly public transportation.

Speaking at today’s event, Minister of Finance, Michael McGrath, said following the ribbon cutting: “I am delighted to join the CitySwift team today to celebrate the opening of their new office space in London. Today’s expansion announcement is testament to the huge opportunities that await Irish exporters in the UK market and paves the way for CitySwift, a leader in data and machine learning for the public transport sector, to significantly scale its business internationally. The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, looks forward to continued engagement with CitySwift to support the growth of the business into the future.”

Deirdre McPartlin, Regional Director for UK & Nordics in Enterprise Ireland, added: “CitySwift is a great example of a company whose success can be directly attributed to a dedication to solve customer problems and deliver tangible benefits straight away. By demonstrating their ongoing commitment to their customers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland over a number of years, the leadership team have built enormous credibility across the whole market. The opening of this office in London is a critical next step in their ongoing growth in the UK. In Enterprise Ireland we are delighted to have been part of CitySwift’s success through our start-up, innovation and in-market support.”

In addition to the opening of this new office, CitySwift today has also announced its latest partnership with Transport North East (TNE), covering bus journeys across the North East region, including Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham. This partnership will support delivery of the objectives laid out in the North East Bus Service Improvement Plan, with CitySwift’s platform being leveraged to improve bus punctuality and increase passenger satisfaction. Additionally, CitySwift will work with TNE to monitor bus priority investment impact, examining congestion, passenger delays, and network pinch points.

Heather Jones, Head of Enhanced Partnerships at TNE, said on the announcement: “CitySwift’s platform offers Transport North East an exciting opportunity to use data to revolutionise bus services and enhance the overall passenger experience. Partnering with CitySwift aligns with the objectives of the North East Bus Service Improvement Plan, enabling us to address congestion, reduce passenger delays, and identify network pinch points more effectively. This collaboration will play a crucial role in delivering more efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused public transport to the communities we serve.”

This recent partnership marks a 150% increase in CitySwift’s customer base last year, which now includes transport networks in all major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, and the entire country of Wales. Notable clients in addition to Transport North East include National Express, Go-Ahead Group, Transport for Wales, Metroline, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Translink, and Blackpool Transport.

This announcement comes during a busy period for the company, which has recently announced the close of its latest funding round of €7 million led by Gresham House Ventures. In addition to further expansion plans, these funds will fuel CitySwift’s platform development and client services, solidifying its position as a transportation data leader globally.