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Kainos, the Belfast-based IT firm, has announced a major expansion that will create 403 new jobs.

The company currently employs more than 700 people in Northern Ireland, the UK and Poland. Thirty of the new jobs will be in Londonderry.

It has been growing rapidly in recent years helped by a series of big contract wins in the public sector.

Its patient records software is used in around 70 hospitals in England and Wales.

In the year to March 2014 turnover grew by 45% to £43m while pre-tax profits more than doubled to £8m.

'Excellent IT graduates'

The company was founded almost 30 years ago partly as a spin-out from Queen's University.

The university still holds a major stake in the company.

Analysis

John Campbell, ���˿��� News NI Economics and Business Editor

The UK government is moving many of its interactions with citizens online, trying to make public services more efficient.

That's where Kainos comes in - it has carved a profitable niche writing and managing the software for a range of public bodies.

It has projects range across medical records, driving licences, farm subsidies and border control.

Its aiming to be the 'go-to' company for governments which are digitising their processes.

Brendan Mooney, CEO of Kainos, said: "Our ambition is to develop digital solutions that help our customers work smarter, faster and better, and this depends on having a capable and committed workforce. In Northern Ireland we are lucky to have excellent IT graduates and professionals.

"We bring talented people into the company and provide a career development framework that offers them the support and development they need to thrive.

"This not only develops a highly talented workforce, but also keep everyone motivated and excited about the future."

First Minister Peter Robinson said the executive would "continue to support business to enhance and expand job opportunities" in Northern Ireland.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he was pleased that the jobs would benefit both "highly experienced technical staff as well as graduates entering the world of work".