30-40 new jobs could be created in Northern Ireland, following the news that legal model firm Axiom is to expand its Centre of Excellence.

Axiom will open a new 3,000 sq ft office in Belfast and is expected to have up to 30-40 new jobs in place during the first half of this year.

The news was welcomed by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Learning Minister Stephen Farry.

Minister Foster said: "The fact that Axiom will have recruited so much of its staff within 12 months of opening is testament to the quality of both experienced lawyers and law graduates in Northern Ireland. It also reaffirms Axiom’s decision to choose Northern Ireland over other locations. These are high quality positions with salaries well above the Northern Ireland private sector median, contributing almost £4m a year to the local economy.

"Axiom’s continued commitment to Northern Ireland through its plans for further hiring and office growth into 2013 reinforces the message that Belfast is a good place to do business. Invest Northern Ireland will continue to work with Axiom to support it in its plans."

Minister Farry added: "I welcome this news, which reinforces that Northern Ireland has graduates with the skills needed by potential investors. Through the Assured Skills programme, my Department has also engaged directly with Axiom over the last year. This will shortly result in the delivery of bespoke training developed in conjunction with the higher education sector."

(IT)