Hertz partner creates 20 jobs in Ballingeary

A TECHNOLOGY start-up, which has partnered with global car rental giant Hertz, is to create 20 new jobs in Ballingeary, with plans for possible expansion.

Smarttraveller Concierge provides content for a site which gives Hertz customers access to valuable tourist information, and special offers, in the vicinity of their holiday.

Initially the site is being rolled out here with Hertz Ireland, but there are plans to expand the site to other countries, if the Irish offering is successful.

Speaking to the Southern Star this week, joint directors Jim McCoy and Richard Enno said the Hertz Smarttraveller had huge potential, as it could be rolled out in any of Hertz’ 150 countries worldwide, if the formula works here.

It offers a unique product for tourists, with information across several categories including restaurants, accommodation and visitor attractions. Users can also email their personal ‘concierge’ for additional, specific, information on a location.  

The company, based at the business park in Ballingeary, is currently looking for administrators, translators, researchers, content providers, content writers, and client service staff immediately.

There is also an open evening at the Ballingeary offices next Monday night (June 27th) at 8pm.

‘We have been developing this for the last one-and-a-half years,’ said director and Corkman Jim McCoy. ‘This is a product that ties tourism in with smart technology.’

He explained that the information is site – rather than app – driven, as research has shown that tourists prefer this format. There is also a ‘privilege’ section for Hertz customers, which gives access to additional features and offers.

‘If we are successful, the potential is actually mind-boggling,’ said Jim. ‘We are close to a deal with two additional large countries,’ he added. 

Co-director Richard Enno, who has worked with the rental giant (which has a turnover in the region of €3bn pa, and services 16,000 locations) on other projects, told The Southern Star that the company had been in talks with Hertz Ireland initially but was now in talks with Hertz Global to roll the idea out across other locations. 

Steve Ó Cúláin, chief executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said he was delighted the company had chosen the Cork Gaeltacht as a base for its operations. ‘The promoters of this enterprise have a proven track record in the provision of outsourcing and contact centre service solutions.’

Jim Mc Coy said the facility provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta would help the business grow to the next phase. ‘We are now in a position where we need to recruit staff immediately and are looking for people with good communications and customer relations skills,’ he said.

The open evening takes place on Monday 27th June at 8pm in Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Business Park, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh. Contact [email protected].