Press Release 30th January 2016 Major Jobs Announcement for Co. Mayo CBE, the Mayo based retail software company, have announced 40 new jobs due to major expansion in the UK and significant contract wins in Ireland. The Taoiseach Enda Kenny officially announced the jobs today (Saturday 30th January) at CBE’s international head office in Claremorris where the jobs will be primarily based. CBE develop and supply point of sale (POS) solutions for the retail and hospitality sectors. Set up in 1980, CBE have grown to become the largest retail IT company in Ireland and the fastest growing supplier of POS solutions in the UK. CBE’s global expansion continues as they now support installations in Canada, Australia, The Isle of Man, and Algeria and following significant market research are preparing to enter the US market. Gerard Concannon, CBE’s CEO says: “Innovation through continuous Research and Development has been the cornerstone of our business and it is through this that we have increased our market share in Ireland and significantly grown in our export markets year-on- year.” Selling mainly to the independent retail groups and hospitality markets, CBE’s client list includes; James Hall Group (UK), Sewell Retail (UK), Musgrave, SuperValu, Centra, BWG, Spar, Mace, Costcutter, Gala, Spar UK, Louis Fitzgerald Group, Aramark, Elior, Compass, IBM and Bewleys among others. Concannon explained, “The CBE solutions enable our clients to manage their business more effectively and streamline their operations. Our latest software solutions have been hugely successful, primarily in the UK, since launched last year. We have also recently formed a strategic partnership with NCR to supply self-checkout solutions to the independent retail sector in Ireland and the UK”. “We are thankful to Enterprise Ireland”, Concannon continued, “for all of the support and expertise that they provide to us as we continue to grow our business in export markets. It must also be noted that the high quality of graduates from the third level colleges in Ireland has given us a real competitive advantage over international competitors within the IT sector. The vision and hard work of the Mayo County Council and Claremorris Chamber of commerce must be complemented too. They got a world class Metro Area Network to Claremorris, without it we would not have been able to continue to base our Systems Support Centre here.” Commenting on the announcement, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said; "CBE are a success story for Claremorris, for Mayo, and for the West of Ireland. CBE have proven, and continue to prove, that indigenous Irish companies can compete and win on a global scale. Gerard Concannon and the CBE team deserve enormous credit for what they have created here in Claremorris. Their export led expansion into markets like the UK ensures that CBE will continue to grow and with plans afoot to enter the US market the future is incredibly bright for CBE which is a great boost to the local and national economy.” Mr. Kenny expanded on the major impact jobs announcements such as this can have; “As the recovery continues throughout Ireland, companies like CBE remain central to that and we will continue to offer the support they need. The jobs that CBE have created can transform people's lives and the positive impact of indigenous companies is powerful." Through its current expansion and development plan CBE will employ 150 people by the end of 2017. These roles will be within software development, customer support, sales and service. Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to working with companies like CBE who utilise Research and Development to help them innovate and internationalise their products for global market expansion. Their growth and success to date in competing in overseas markets clearly demonstrates the calibre of their software solutions and technology with the rebound effect of creating more jobs at home and importantly, in the local region”. -ends- About CBE: CBE is a pioneer of retail technology with experience built over three decades. Serving the Irish and UK markets, CBE has a proven track record in developing solutions for retailers to handle the complexities of today’s market within the supermarket, convenience, forecourt and hospitality sectors. To speak with a CBE representative call 1890 373000, email [email protected] or visit www.cbe.ie .