Software development company AquaQ Analytics is to open a new office in Londonderry, creating 40 jobs.

The firm, which has its headquarters in Belfast, employs about 250 people, including in Canada, the US and Hong Kong.

It is recruiting engineers and developers for its expanding software engineering division.

Its chief operating officer and co-founder James Bradley said there was a “wealth of talent available in Derry”. In an interview with BBC Radio Foyle, he said:

“We are not going to be the only ones who are going to have this bright idea. You’re going to see a rush of more companies doing the same and hopefully we will be the first.”

‘High-skilled workforce’

The company is aiming to have a workforce of over 1,000 people and Mr Bradley said opening its Derry office was the first step to achieving that.

He said the jobs were primarily but not exclusively aimed at graduates, with salaries in the region of £30,000, rising in tandem with talent and experience.

Derry City and Strabane Mayor Graham Warke said the announcement was great for the district.