Jobs Created In Orkney As Software Development Company Expands

24th January 2018

A global software development business with its technology hub based in Orkney is moving to larger premises.

Kyloe is set to double its staff in the next few years and has secured £191,250 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help it move to a more suitable premises.

Founded by directors Stewart Morgan and Raymond Pennie in 2015, the business already employs 19 people in Kirkwall delivering projects to clients all over the world.

With the company's rapid expansion, it recently took up a lease at Custom House on Albert Street, Kirkwall, which is much larger than its previous premises on the same street.

The business provides expertise, system integration, project management and software development to the recruitment industry, helping to create jobs all over the world. It currently employs software developers, technical staff, HR, marketing, and finance and business operators.

Husband and wife directors, Stewart and Fiona Morgan moved back to Orkney in 2014 with their family after working in London for five years.

Another husband and wife team, Raymond and Simone Pennie is based in Gloucestershire.

Fiona said: "We love it here in Orkney. The quality of life and facilities here are excellent and we have our family and friends around us. We've worked very closely with HIE, and have benefited from all the help they’ve been able to offer us. Our challenge now is creating the support structure to help develop our team.

"As well as actively engaging with talented local people, we want to encourage experienced developers and data engineers who are based and working elsewhere to move here to Orkney. That’s where the support of HIE and GlobalScot is helping to raise our business profile. As we grow and our reputation grows, then the more people hear about us and that definitely helps."

The company has a team of eight in the USA, one in the Netherlands and eight in England. It is looking to expand operations to Australia this year.

HIE’s investment will help the company increase employment and upgrade the building, including installing a new roof and windows and making it a more suitable working environment for the expanding technology business.

Both Fiona and Stewart are also participating on a leadership programme subsided by HIE.

Ruth Kirkpatrick, head of business growth for HIE in Orkney, said: “Kyloe Partners Ltd is an ambitious young company with a marketplace that stretches across the world. High-value jobs are being created for local people and for people wanting to move to Orkney and the business and the business is making a significant contribution to the local economy. Anyone joining the company now would be doing so at an exciting stage in its development.

“I am delighted we are able to support this ambitious development and we look forward to continuing to work with Kyloe in the future."