Influx of jobs expected in Cashel following arrival of consultancy firm

A significant number of jobs are expected to be created in Tipperary following the arrival of a life sciences consultancy firm.

Integrity is in the process of setting up a new branch in Cashel and are actively recruiting for jobs at all levels. Chris Reid, the CEO and founder of life sciences consultancy firm, Integrity, highlights the importance of acquiring and nurturing talent.

Ireland is known worldwide as a land of green fields, rich drinks and famous hospitality, but over the past couple of decades it’s become more than just an attractive destination for holiday-goers; it’s also established itself as fertile ground for emerging businesses all across the world, particularly in the life sciences sector.

Evolving from humble beginnings in the 1960s to global significance in 2022, the sector now accounts for 39% of Ireland’s national exports, according to the IDA. The country is now the third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals globally, with over eighty pharmaceutical companies and nine of the world’s top ten calling Ireland home.

But big multinational corporations aren’t the only organisations choosing the island as a base.

A leading supplier of business, project and quality management solutions, Integrity set down roots in Ireland in October 2021, led by CEO and founder Chris Reid and Evun Wyer the Country Director, who believe it’s an ideal location for the team of life science, technology and quality experts.

“We’ve been around for a number of years already, but it seemed natural as we grow to establish a presence in Ireland,” Chris said.

“There’s a huge wealth of bio-pharmaceutical companies throughout the island, which we want to tap into and deliver our services to.”

Offering IT services in areas of project governance and quality and compliance, Integrity has made a name for itself as a go-to solutions resource. Chris hopes to continue building this reputation and developing trust with businesses across Ireland.

“We work with a vast range of organisations,” he said.

“From multinationals to start-ups, we’re [just as] happy to work with local companies as we are with multinationals.” Integrity is in the process of setting up a branch in Cashel in Tipperary, which Chris believes is a great spot to serve the whole of Ireland and beyond.

“A key driver for us is building up a workforce that’s able to support us in operating throughout Europe. In establishing ourselves in Ireland, it provides us great access into the EU and the rest of Europe to supply resources.”
Providing the best service for clients requires the best people, and Chris - who manages approximately 70 employees - places high value on recruiting and nurturing talent. “There’s a lot of talent available to us in Ireland, a lot of talented graduates we’re looking to take onboard,” he said. “And also the opportunity to perhaps collaborate with some of the excellent universities you have in Ireland as well where, hopefully, we can support them and leverage graduates from those universities.”

He believes Integrity is people-centric and flexible, allowing workers to reach their full potential.

“We pride ourselves on having a very low turnover of staff within the company, and we hope that that’s because we treat them well in terms of the rewards, staff development programmes, and having the ability to move around within the organisation and develop new skills.” Integrity is on the lookout for people in areas such as IT, quality compliance, and project management who can ensure the company continues to deliver a quality service to clients. “We’re looking to recruit at all levels,” he said.

“We’re looking to engage with local universities and find talent with open minds and new innovative ideas on how we can take things forward. We’re looking at internships to encourage graduates to come to us for a period of time, and if everybody likes each other then hopefully there will be a future together.

“We’re also looking to develop our own internal programmes where we can bring people in who might not have gone down the university route, who have great skills and capabilities and just need that support through to development. And like all organisations we need good quality, capable leaders who are able to bring those people on and drive the business forward.

“We’re looking for the very best talent we can encourage to come into the organisation.”

As well as the location and the highly qualified workforce, Chris is also impressed with the support on offer.

He said: “The level of support you get from the business community in Ireland when you’re willing to invest in Ireland and the people of Ireland is just tremendous. Local businesses are willing to talk to us and learn more about what we do, and the level of support to encourage you to succeed in Ireland is second to none. I’ve not seen it anywhere else.”

An official launch event will take place at Integrity’s Cashel branch on May 25 and May 26 to celebrate its opening and the company’s new place in the Irish landscape.

Employees will be in attendance as well as members of Tipperary County Council and IDA Ireland.