Two companies expand their presence in Cork
Two companies this week announced their expansion into Cork.
Fuel, a creative production agency, revealed on Tuesday that it had acquired Cork-based event management agency Leigh Gillen Events.
Leigh Gillen has over 20 years of experience running events in Cork and established one of Cork's leading event agencies.
Now appointed Director of Cork for Fuel, Leigh said: "I am excited to join the rapidly growing team at Fuel, and I very much look forward to engaging with companies in Cork and Munster, as well as expanding the events offering for my existing clients. Companies were challenged during the pandemic but have now learned that there are creative and bold ways to reach out and stand out.
“Using the latest technology, Fuel offers clients a global reach with their virtual and hybrid events and continues to provide the highest levels of expertise, advice, and solutions for clients.”
The acquisition, Fuel said, supports its strategy to expand its operations in Ireland, the UK and the United States.
It currently employs a talented team of 70 at its Dublin headquarters, where it is also recruiting a further 10 staff to service its future needs. Fuel plans to operate out of The Marina Market in Cork and grow its numbers in Cork to 10 within the next two years. It’ll be recruiting for roles across creative, client services and production.
Fuel was established in 2013 by Jamie Deasy and Brian McDermott.
Jamie Deasy said: “Fuel is excited to grow its national presence through a new base in Cork. The entire region is a well-established home for many global companies who will look to engage with their employees and customers meaningfully, whether in Dublin, Dubai or Dunmanway.
“With Leigh and her team, we are in a strong position to ensure companies are both creative and innovative in that engagement.”
Meanwhile also on Tuesday, Blancco Technology Group formally unveiled its new state-of-the-art offices in Lapp’s Quay. The opening event was attended by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The office has the capacity for up to 34 employees.
The location is Blancco’s first centre of operations in Ireland. Blancco provides organisations with secure, compliant, and automated solutions while accelerating the transition to the circular economy.
Blancco is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. IDA Ireland has supported Blancco to make these new offices a centre of excellence for research and developement as well as a strategic hub for Blancco, globally.
Over the next three to four years, Blancco will invest several million euros in R&D, job creation and skills training. This new Cork location provides an ideal opportunity to grow the existing team, having created six new roles since it acquired the Inhance Technology business, in July 2019.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “This is exciting news for Cork and for Ireland.
“The new Blancco hub in Lapp’s Quay will bring new employment to local citizens, and it further reinstates Cork’s competitive position in attracting investment from leading, global technology businesses at the forefront of innovation. I am delighted that Blancco has chosen Cork for its new premises, as part of its global expansion.”