The Finnish firm are set to create a UK base and create new jobsA Finnish company is to set up a new UK headquarters and software development centre in Swansea with the creation of 30 jobs.
Leadin, which is based in Tampere, choose Swansea over a number of locations for its new software centre, planned to support its European growth plans, where the firm has links with Swansea University.
The firm have grown for a two-man start up to a service design agency employing over 30 people in five years, delivering user research, service design and software development services.
The firm is anticipating that the new UK centre will outgrow its parent company in both sales and personnel within a few years.
Harri Mansikkamäki, managing director of Leadin UK, said: “Our close collaboration with Swansea University, welcoming support from Welsh Government, huge buzz on digital services in the UK and of course the business potential which requires our increased presence here, have all contributed to our decision to set up in Swansea.
“The ground work has been done and now it’s time to put the wheels rolling in full speed.”
Leadin’s focus is in helping companies develop and deliver products and services that customers or end users find attractive and easy to use, regardless of how sophisticated or complex the underlying technology is.
Creating a good user experience is based on researching and understanding people’s needs, tasks and workflows and is regarded as the key building block for successful technology products such as car infotainment systems, medical devices and apps.
As well as providing customers with user-friendly technology products, Leadin also helps companies differentiate their products from competitors, with Leadin’s blue-chip customer base includes globally recognised brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Nokia.
Chairman and co-founder Dr Juha Lehikoinen added: “Our methodologies and professionally enthusiastic attitude have demonstrated good results in various sectors from automotive challenges to big data solutions, from industrial set-ups to healthcare technologies. We are certain that we can repeat our success in the UK.”
The Welsh Government has backed the investment, with £570,000 in business finance. Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “This is a very welcome and significant investment in high-end technology in one of our key sectors that will create highly skilled, well-paid graduate level jobs.”
