New investment in Scotland for Irish company behind innovative farm software - 29 jobs created
Irish farm management software company Farmflo has successfully launched a new software research and development centre in Glasgow, where it will explore developing new products, particularly around the theme of Internet of Things.
Supported by a Regional Selective Assistance grant of £350,000 from Scottish Enterprise the company will create 29 jobs at its first new UK base. The investment has ensured Farmflo is able to locate its development site in Scotland, and tap into the high level of skills availability, rather than outsource the development activity to an overseas operation.
Set up by two Irish brothers, Jason and Gareth Devenney, Farmflo’s system allows farmers to record and use real time data on such things as fertiliser stocks, crop storage and herd treatments and movements. Farmflo’s highly sophisticated system integrates data from multiple sources allowing farmers to then view on their smartphone or tablet device.
At the Glasgow site based at the Whisky Bond in Port Dundas, the system will be fully developed and refined based on feedback from farmers on the pilot. It will also look at emerging opportunities, particularly around the theme of Internet of Things, with sensor network data outputs enriching farmer data to help inform management decisions. This work is aimed at targeting international markets, such as Europe and North America, together with the current UK focus for the ambitious young company.
Dan O’Donoghue, Farmflo CEO, said: “The establishment of our dedicated software development centre in Scotland is an exciting venture that allows Farmflo to tap into an excellent resource of locally based talent. Jason Devenney, our Head of Innovation is currently recruiting additional staff to fill the new Farmflo positions as they come on stream. We are delighted to work so closely with Scottish Enterprise in bringing this plan to fruition and are confident it will be a true centre of excellence.”
Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “Internationalisation and innovation are key parts of our economic strategy and two of Scotland’s fundamental strengths. They are the factors that attract companies such as Farmflo to invest and expand in Scotland. I warmly welcome Farmflo’s decision to create their new software research and development centre in Port Dundas, Glasgow - not least because the products Farmflo seek to provide could potentially be of great assistance to Scotland's farmers and land managers and those beyond our shores. Crucially, this investment, and employment that comes with it, is fantastic news for both the Glasgow and Scottish economies and underlines that Scotland is an attractive and stable place to do business both now and in the future.”
Managing Director of Scottish Development International, Paul Lewis, said: “It is fantastic news that Farmflo has decided to launch its new UK base in Scotland. The new software research and development centre will benefit Scotland’s economy and the local area, while also reinforcing Scotland’s leading role as a global centre for new software development.
“This investment by Farmflo is further evidence of Scotland’s position as the leading location in the UK for R&D investment, as illustrated in the recent EY Attractiveness Survey, and we look forward to working with the company as it grows its business from Scotland.”
Farmflo’s data system has been designed to reduce risk of error and simplify the complex task farmers can often have when reporting, releasing more time for direct farm activity and improving overall farm productivity.
ENDS