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CluneTech Attends - 31/03/2022

CluneTechand our group of global companies are constantly hosting and attending events to meet with customers, investors, fellow industry experts, and more. In addition, our fantastic group of companies frequently represent CluneTech as nominees at some of the most prestigious industry awards. In this feature we’ll take a look at some of the events taking place over the next few weeks.  

 

Employee Wellbeing Summit 2022 – Taxback.com & CluneTech

The Employee Wellbeing Summit returns in 2022 – bigger and better than ever before!

Taking place on 5 April 2022, our panel will discuss wellbeing in the workplace and explore some of the practical steps that employers can take to develop a culture of wellness at work.

Wellbeing has become a key theme for employers over recent years and this event is an ideal opportunity for HR professionals and business leaders to proactively engage, network and offer guidance on the topic.

We have a fantastic line up of panelists who will debate the evolution of wellbeing in the workplace and share their tips on how employers can enhance the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of their staff.

And here’s the best part…

This event is completely free to attend!

However, places at the summit are limited. So, to avoid disappointment, be sure to save your space right away.

To register for the Employee Wellbeing Summit 2022, simply complete the short form here.

Employee Wellbeing Summit and the Companies in Attendance.

 

 

Coupa Inspire – TransferMate

Make sure to catch TransferMate and their team of payment experts, Greg Jordan, David Hughes, CK Semlani, and Mitchell Morgan, at this year’s Coupa Inspire event in Las Vegas! Taking place from April 4 – 7, Coupa Inspire is a global community event that brings together forward-thinking experts in supply chain, procurement, finance, treasury, and IT. Meet the TransferMate team at their booth and find out how you can send and receive payments in 162 countries and 134 currencies.

 

 The GPA Payroll Summit 2022 – Immedis

Immedis, CluneTech’s global payroll company, will be exhibiting at this year’s GPA Payroll Summit on the 5th of May in London. This is the first GPA Payroll Summit in two years and our Immedis team can’t wait to meet you all there! This one-day event brings together industry experts and aims to provide valuable information to payroll and HR professionals that will help them to perform their roles more efficiently and effectively.

The GPA Summit 2022

 

Q-Summit – Gradguide

Next month you will be able to meet Gradguide at Q-Summit, Germany’s leading student tech conference! With many of Gradguide’s partner companies hiring for roles in Germany, this is an exciting opportunity for the team to get back out on campus and to chat with students looking to break into the tech industry. Q-Summit will take place in the University of Mannheim from April 21 – 22.

 

Business & Finance Irish Business Awards 2021 – Taxback International

The Taxback International Team have been selected as a finalist for the Elevation Award in association with Enterprise Ireland, for this year’s Business & Finance Awards 2021 in association with KPMG. This new award recognises Irish companies that are fast-growing and with significant potential to continue to scale globally.

We can’t wait to see how our Taxback International team get on at the award ceremony on the 12th of April at The Convention Centre Dublin.

 

 

March 30, 2022

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CluneTech Social Spotlight: March 18th Edition

Welcome to our CluneTech Social Spotlight Series – a fortnightly roundup of the best social media activity from across our group of global companies. Want to stay in the loop with everything happening in CluneTech? Here’s the place to do it! Click the title of each entry to view the original post.

..And don’t forget to like and share the wonderful content being produced across the Group!

 

Episode 2 of TBI Expert ViewTaxback International

The latest series of TBI Expert View continued this week with a discussion on SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax). Lisa Dowling, Senior Global Director, and Barbara Barcsik, Global VAT Director, talk through the challenges the challenges and complexities in different countries as Governments are implementing different requirements. They also discuss the EU Commission 'VAT in the Digital Age'.

 

Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe Urged to Widen Tax Bands to Offset Effect of InflationTaxback.com

Featured in the Irish Independent this week, Taxback.com CEO Joanna Murphy urges widening of tax bands as prices rise:

"Inflation-hit workers will look to mitigate its impact by negotiating pay increases this year. But a knock-on consequence of this could be that up to 50pc of the hard-won salary hikes will be in extra taxation."

Read the full story on Independent.ie

 

What is Authorized Push Payment Fraud?TransferMate

When it comes to payments fraud, Authorized Push Payment (APP) schemes are a real threat to businesses because they exploit people's very human tendencies. On their blog this week, TransferMate took an in-depth look into APP fraud and the measures one can take to prevent it.

 Authorized Push Payment(APP) fraud is when a fraudster deceives a business into sending them a payment into a bank account controlled by the fraudster. For more information, check out the full blog post here.

 Achieving Pay Equity through Global PayrollImmedis

Pay equity and the balance of wage distribution has long been a topic of conversation – hitting news headlines in some high profile cases.

Immedis, this week, released a very interesting e-book exploring how global payroll can help an organization to achieve pay equity by uncovering systematic inequities and implementing change. Download your free copy today!

 

Marketing Works Benamic

While marketing has come along way in proving itself as a truly valuable resource, there are still some people out there that are unsure of its potential. This piece by MarketingWeek, shared by Benamic, highlights just how effective it can be. It takes a look how food delivery service Just Eat have benefited from a sharp increase in their marketing effort and spend, helping them towards a dramatic rise in revenue and as a result, profitability.

Read the full story here.

March 16, 2022

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CluneTech Social Spotlight: February 18th Edition

Welcome to our CluneTech Social Spotlight Series – a fortnightly roundup of the best social media activity from across our group of global companies. Want to stay in the loop with everything happening in CluneTech? Here’s the place to do it! Click the title of each entry to view the original post.

..And don’t forget to like and share the wonderful content being produced across the Group!

 

Next Generation Analytics for VATConnect – Taxback International

Taxback International have just announced a major update for their VATConnect Platform – ‘Next Generation Analytics’. VATConnect is Taxback International’s advanced VAT Reclaim and Recovery Platform for Businesses. This latest update has seen the platform become even more advanced, introducing new features such as improved UI, new Ideation Portal, and an improved AI/ML tech stack.

Check out their post and YouTube video for more. Additionally, you can sign up for their upcoming webinar where the TBI Product Team will tell you all you need to know about the latest updates!

 

9 Ways That FinTech Has Changed B2B Payments – TransferMate

It can be difficult to notice a dramatic change when it creeps up on you but, there’s no doubt, B2B payments have been transformed over the last decade. On the TransferMate blog this week the team partnered with Andrew O’Garro and Axletree Solutions to deliver 9 valuable insights on how FinTech has impacted the B2B payments sphere. Among those insights are the instantaneity in payment transfers it affords, as well as the transparency in movement it offers. Check out their blog post for more.  

 

Gradguide Brand Ambassador Programme – Gradguide

We are all very excited here at CluneTech about the launch of the Gradguide Campus Ambassador programme! If you’re a student looking to get some hands-on experience with the Gradguide marketing team working on events and projects making a real impact on the company, then this is the perfect opportunity. Not only will you be helping your friends get jobs, but you’ll also be getting great CV content. This might come in pretty handy when you get priority access to Gradguide's partner companies when you graduate. Check out their post on LinkedIn and find out why you should apply to be a Gradguide Brand Ambassador!

 

2021 Gartner Market Guide for Multicountry Payroll Solutions – Immedis

Immedis has been positioned as a Representative Vendor in the 2021 Gartner Market Guide for Multicountry Payroll Solutions. The Immedis Platform has been recognised for its capabilities in complete payroll cycle management, advanced reporting, real-time data analytics, and #HCM integration. The Guide also provides recommendations for organizations to consider when selecting a provider for global payroll operations. Read the full guide here.

 

Series 2 of TBI Expert View – Taxback International

Wrapping up this week’s Social Spotlight is a second entry from Taxback International! Following the success of the first series, TBI have relaunched TBI Expert View with the first episode releasing this week. In Episode 1 of Series 2 –TBI Expert View, Lisa Dowling, Senior Global Director – Head of Indirect Tax, Advisory and Compliance and Joe Healy, Chief Strategy Officer discuss the ‘Tail End of the Storm’ and the practical implications of Brexit for our customers.

 

And that’s this week’s Social Spotlight roundup… Head over to www.clunetech.com to learn more about CluneTech and our amazing group of global companies. And check back in two weeks’ time for the next CluneTech Social Spotlight!

February 17, 2022

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Taxback Group Becomes CluneTech

February 15, 2022

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“Coronavirus Did Not Have Any Direct Impact on Our Business” - Terry Clune

The last few months haven’t been easy by any means. We have been, and continue to be, faced with unprecedented and ever-changing challenges due to Covid-19. At CluneTech, we’re extremely lucky to have amazing leaders and a workforce that has continued to collaborate, innovate and deliver, while adapting to the new situation very quickly.

But what’s the secret behind our success? Terry Clune, Founder and CEO of CluneTech, met exclusively (and virtually) with Economy.bg to share some valuable insights about how CluneTech has adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic and his inspiring story of building a sustainable business from scratch.

Mr. Clune, has how the Covid-19 pandemic affected your business in Bulgaria and did you have to cancel any projects?

Terry: Coronavirus did not have any direct impact on our business. The services we provide are global, we’re not specific to one region or one industry and we provide a range of different financial services, mainly to global companies so our global business has not really stopped to any major extent.

We’ve been very successful at continuing to trade during the pandemic because of our tremendous team of people in Varna and across the world who are very committed, very experienced and very capable. We appreciate the work that all of our team have done across the world in getting through this difficult time.

What were the main challenges for CluneTech in Bulgaria to adapt to the new situation?

Terry: Coronavirus has been challenging for every business across the world and it would have been more challenging for us but we adapted what we do very quickly, we were able to move our team to remote working very quickly. All of our teams are now working successfully from home and I expect that will continue to some extent into the future. Regarding working from home there were some expectations.

I expected that working from home would have an impact on our team’s productivity but I’m very thankful that our team really got focused and straight back into their work and from what we’ve seen most people have been even more productive in working from home. They’ve really gotten behind the business during the coronavirus pandemic and we’ve managed to get through it successfully thanks to everyone playing their part.

Are your staff still working from home? is remote working something you plan to continue in the future?

Terry: For us it’s not really about whether we work from home or work in the office. Simply, it’s important for us that people are able to do their job wherever they are, be they at home or at work, it doesn’t really matter. I think into the future, I imagine many of our people will probably work half the time from home and half the time from the office. Remote working will definitely be an option, yes.

It won’t suit everybody but for those who wish to have that facility and are able to continue to perform it will definitely be a key option. I think it will be good for people and their lifestyles. Not having to commute or commuting less will mean more time at home with family for people. These are all valuable benefits for people and it’s definitely something that we’re keen to support into the future.

What type of roles does CluneTech offer in Bulgaria?

Terry: Over the nineteen years now that we’ve been in Varna the work that we do has changed. It used to be very administrative and many of the people at the beginning of our business were involved in administrative roles. Now many of those roles have changed. They have become more expertise orientated, expertise in payroll, expertise in payments, expertise in taxes etc.

We also have a much larger technology team now than ever before. We currently work with nearly 150 people in technology across Bulgaria. Ultimately, the work here has changed from administrative to using technology to provide the services and with that roles and jobs are changing too. Many of the administrative people have now learned new skills and have developed into much higher technology/ higher skilled positions in our business. So right across our business the work has changed and now more than ever we need highly skilled people. I’m delighted that so many of our team leaders today have grown within the business and have learned and adopted the latest skills.

Do you think that western companies will move away from South East Asia and move to Eastern Europe because of the Covid-19 pandemic? And could Bulgaria benefit from such a trend?

Terry: I think Bulgaria has done an extraordinary job of keeping the impact of the coronavirus very low in the country. One of the lowest contagion rates in Europe and is clearly a very safe place now and will be into the future to be doing business. The government have absolutely taken this issue very seriously and all the people too have taken it very seriously. Considering this, I think that Bulgaria can be a potential location for any company that is planning to relocate their business from Asia to Eastern Europe.

How would you compare Bulgaria to other countries that you are operating in and do you see any challenges or other opportunities here?

We’ve always said that Bulgaria is a great place to do business. For example, most recently I’ve seen that wherever I go around Varna the internet connections are so fast. I read recently that Bulgaria have one of the top three internet speeds in the world. So they’re clearly very forward-thinking in terms of technology and in terms of things that really matter to people and to businesses.

I think over the last nineteen years I’ve seen dramatic improvements and in terms of the confidence of people there’s been a dramatic increase and also huge positive improvements in the way things are managed here. I’m sure not everything is perfect here, just like any country, but I’ve seen huge improvements in the local economy and local area and hopefully, that can continue forward into the future.

In terms of the Bulgarian people that we’ve been able to recruit and lead our teams here, they boast a wide range of skills from engineering to customer care and languages. There are very smart people here. It’s enabled our business to really grow technology wise and customer care wise across the world. Yes, there’s a lot of competition in Bulgaria and Varna to hire the best people.

We recognise that we want the best people to be working for our business and we’re very fortunate to have a fantastic team here and that’s what has enabled our business to be so successful. We also have a very strong and growing relationship relationships with local universities in Varna and in Veliko Tarnovo that has enabled us to identify people.

Recent surveys of EY and Brookings Institution showed that employers in many countries are speeding up plans to automate their businesses as workers are forced to stay at home during the pandemic. Do you think automation in business will reduce the need for staff in CluneTech?

I think that this is not something that smart people should be concerned about. In our business, nineteen years ago, it was very non-automated and since then we’ve brought more and more automation to our business but our business has also grown more and more in terms of the number of people. The work that we do is no longer administrative, it’s more technology-enabled which leads to, for many people, more interesting work, more skilled work and more higher value added work.

For people who are willing to learn the more modern and updated skills, automation should not be a worry. Increased automation is definitely happening and our business would be a prime example of the impact of automation on services. I need and want our team to be learning the new skills and to be able to do the technology-enabled jobs.

Again, in our business, we’re not just focusing on one customer or one region. Our services are global, we’ve got customers in virtually every country in the world so it’s really about using the technologies available to provide the best service possible and having the best people driving that forward.

How will this crisis transform the software/fin-tech industry in the long-run?

Fintech and financial business is very much changing to using more technology enabled services and we’re very much at the forefront of that. For example, in the payments space with TransferMate we’re building really cutting edge technology to help companies to manage their global payments. Our business in Varna is a combination of technology-enabled services and services which have a high degree of expertise in areas such as global payroll.

For example, we manage the global payroll for Uber and for Harvard from Varna. We manage global VAT tax for IBM and Google from Varna and we provide global services for hundreds of thousands of students who for example, study in North America. We provide tax return expertise to all their universities, so we are doing very significant and important work.

Also, Benamic our sales-promotion service will provide technology marketing services to very large companies like Canon. All of these services need technology but at the same time they need a very high degree of customer care and being able to do both of those things, technology and customer care together is why we continue to be very successful.

Really all of our services are driven by technology and we’ve got very strong technology people in our business in Bulgaria, a couple of which have strong expertise in customer care.

You have gone a long way from your student years, returning from a summer in Germany and establishing a company in the kitchen of the family home. What’s the secret to building a sustainable business? What lessons have you learned along the way?

There’s a couple of important things people should think about in terms of that. I’m from a farm in rural Ireland, my parents encouraged me to start business when I was young. The first business I started was when I was eight years old. I used to collect fertiliser bags, plastic bags from farmers and I would fold them neatly and sell them to wood merchants who used them to sell firewood in. This was a great business for me as an eight year old as I was able to purchase my first bike, a yellow BMX bike. However, the biggest business lesson I learned was when I was nine years old.

My business went bust when another farmer’s son saw what I was doing and ended up getting a better bag than mine to sell, a see through bag so people could see how much firewood was inside. He ended up taking all my customers as he was able to sell them this better bag and he put me out of business. This was a really, really valuable lesson for me. As I was busy with my yellow BMX bike cycling around every Saturday and Sunday to all my farmers collecting the bags, I would also spend my money on chocolate.

Breakfast on a Saturday morning would consist of Snickers bars and I really felt like a cool dude. But I had gotten lazy and a bit complacent, while the kid competing with me asked the customers what he could do better and ended up sourcing a better bag. I lost all my customers then and as a result my business stopped.

There’s always opportunities to see how things can be done better. That was a very important lesson for me. You also need to surround yourself with positive people. People who are progressive rather than people who will hold you back or be critical or negative. In Varna, we’ve been very fortunate to hire an extraordinary team of people. Having fantastic people around you is a key to success for any business.

The number one of course is to be hiring the best people, be that in Ireland or in Bulgaria. We expanded our business to this extent by asking the customers ‘what can we do for you?’, ‘how else can we help?’, ‘what can we do differently or what can we do better?’ and as a result of those questions we now have many different businesses within the Group. If something changes for one business or the market changes, we are not just reliant on one company. Having a series of different businesses takes away an immediate risk.

The lesson here is that what any business must do, no matter if they’re Bulgarian or Irish, is to continue to find out from your customer what they want and stay on the pulse and keep you’re your eyes open for new opportunities because business changes all the time and the second you stop looking at how you could do better you’re going to be finished. The secret of a successful business is constantly wondering ‘how can we do this better?'.

Do you think ambition or talent matters more for success?

I think success is like Einstein says, 99% hard work and 1% talent. I think talent comes from hard work. Some people are naturally talented but for most people by working at something you can become talented at it. That’s what I tell my kids, I have five children, three boys and two girls and what I would be saying to them would be by working hard at something you can become talented at it.

Be it learning to play chess or play a sport, yes some people are naturally talented at those things but by working hard, putting the effort in and continuing to try you can become talented and it’s the same in business. Lots of people have talent but don’t use it so it goes to waste. It’s the people that are moderately talented but put the effort in that become hugely successful. It’s all about making the effort.

Private school or state school?

All of my schooling was in public schools. I think in Europe, for most countries the public school system is very good. I’m not sure what it’s like here in Varna but the EU would be very supportive of Ireland, ensuring that we don’t need to have huge fees for private education.

The university sector in Ireland too is ultimately, not crazy expensive compared to places like America. I think Ireland and Bulgaria have much in common in the education sector. The public system in both countries is what most people use and in general, it’s a good system.

Should young people go to university or go straight into work, what do you think provides a better experience?

I’ve met many people who were successful in business without going to university but I know a lot of them would feel at a disadvantage having not gone to university. University gives you, if anything, confidence. Confidence from getting through it. Many of the people I’ve met in business that have been successful but didn’t go to university would usually say that if they had one regret it would be not going to or not finishing university because of the confidence that it can bring you.

In Ireland now and in Bulgaria, there are very high rates of people going to university which is hugely valuable for the economy into the future. I would be encouraging everyone if possible to try and finish your 3rd level education even though it’s not always easy to do, it brings you such confidence in the long term.

February 15, 2022

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CluneTech Social Spotlight: January 21st

Welcome to our CluneTech Social Spotlight Series – a fortnightly roundup of the best social media activity from across our group of global companies. Want to stay in the loop with everything happening in CluneTech? Here’s the place to do it! Click the title of each entry to view the original post.

..And don’t forget to like and share the wonderful content being produced across the Group!

Care @ Work - Immedis

Immedis are partnering with HRCongress and holding a complimentary Forum discussing how Global Payroll can play a role in discussing Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace. In this free webinar, how crucial pay equity is to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging as well as how the measurement of pay can help to ensure we move towards actual pay equity, will all be discussed. Care @ Work will take place on the 3rd of February from 15.00 – 16.30 UK and you can register for free now: https://bit.ly/3rvra4r

How to Get your Australian Tax Refund - Taxback.com

In November 2021, Taxback.com played a huge role in getting the Australian High Court to rule the ‘Backpacker Tax’ invalid for citizens from certain countries. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has now released guidance on how backpackers can claim their tax refund. In their latest blog post, Taxback.com break down that guide and tell you everything you need to know about the latest developments in the backpacker case.

The Great Migration? The Great Resignation? - TransferMate

Curious about what the future of work may look like and what that could mean for international payroll? The 'Great Resignation' theory (closely followed by the 'Great Migration') has quickly become part of the public consciousness, and both promise to change the face of international payroll. On their blog this week, TransferMate took a closer look at the evidence surrounding these theories to deduce what the future of work really looks like and what the implications will be for employers with international payroll.

Upcoming Career Fair - Gradguide

After the success of their inaugural Career Fair last September, Gradguide have announced their next event, taking place virtually on Thursday, February 24. Already an incredible line up of companies have been announced for the event, including Immedis, Workday, Spendesk, Slack, Chargify, and many more. This is a must attend event for any student or recent graduate looking to land their first role in tech! Additionally, Gradguide just announced their brand new Refer a Friend Programme where you and a friend could win €500 each month simply by recommending them to Gradguide – Click here for more.

Ultimate Guide to Non-Resident Taxes in the US - Sprintax

Sprintax specialize in making tax as straightforward as possible to newcomers in the US. Thus, with tax season in the US fast approaching, Sprintax are on hand to answer all your pressing questions. Their ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know from:

  • Who has to file
  • Tax exemptions
  • How to reduce your tax bill
  • Important documents

And much more!

And that’s this week’s Social Spotlight roundup… Head over to www.clunetech.com to learn more about CluneTech and our amazing group of global companies. And check back in two weeks’ time for the next CluneTech Social Spotlight!

February 15, 2022

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5 Years at Sprintax- Interview with Viktoria Kurteva

At CluneTech, we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Program that rewards employees that choose to build a long and successful career with us. As part of this programme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching major milestones with the company.

This month we caught up with Viktoria Kurteva, Front End Developer at Sprintax. She has been on our team for the last 5 years.

What is your favourite thing about working in CluneTech / Sprintax?

My favorite thing about working in CluneTech is the team I work with. We’ve built a strong and open way of communicating, with a lot of mutual understanding and trust. Everyone is approachable, open to questions, and always willing to help when needed. Beyond the professional environment, I’ve also had the chance to build meaningful connections and friendships that extend outside of work, which makes the experience even more valuable.

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech / Sprintax?

‍Having been with CluneTech for five years, my biggest achievement has been my professional growth within the company. I joined shortly after graduating, and through continuous learning and commitment, I was able to demonstrate my potential and take on increasing responsibility. This journey eventually led to the opportunity to step into a Team Lead role, which I see as both a personal milestone and a reflection of the trust and support I’ve received along the way.

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed inyour time here?

‍The biggest change I’ve witnessed is the growth and evolution of the team I’m part of. When I joined, the team consisted of just three people, and today it has grown to twelve. Along with this growth came new dynamics, stronger collaboration, and a more structured way of working together. It’s been interesting to see how the team has evolved while maintaining open communication and a supportive environment.

What is the greatest challenge that you have faced inyour time here and how did you overcome it?

‍One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced has been growing both professionally and personally. From the very beginning, it required stepping outside my comfort zone to communicate with more experienced colleagues, ask questions, and actively learn.

Over time, I needed to take on more responsibility and make decisions on my own, which was initially intimidating. Today, many of the things that once felt challenging are now part of my everyday work.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

I’ve really enjoyed projects where I could both contribute technically and support the team’s growth. Working on challenging front-end tasks while also helping colleagues solve problems, share knowledge, and improve collaboration has been very rewarding. I particularly value opportunities where I can learn new approaches and see how our work positively impacts the product and the team.

Do you have advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech / Sprintax?

My advice would be not to be afraid to reach out to your colleagues and communicate openly in the workflow. Ask questions whenever you have them, seek feedback, and don’t hesitate to share your ideas or suggestions. Make the most of your time, stay curious, and take every opportunity to learn as much as you can from those around you.

December 18, 2025

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15 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Elena Stefanova

At CluneTech, we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Program that rewards employees that choose to build a long and successful career with us. As part of this programme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching major milestones with the company.

This month we caught up with CluneTech's Head of Design, Elena Stefanova who has been on our team for the last 15 years.

What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech?

The opportunity to work in an international environment and meet people from different cultures.

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech?

One life-changing achievement was the opportunity to upskill from a graphic designer to a motion designer, using After Effects. It had been a childhood dream of mine to create motion graphics and animations. However, my biggest overall achievement within the company has been progressing through every career stage—from junior designer to Head of Design.

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?

Relocating the office from Tsar Simeon to Bacho Kiro and changing the company name to CluneTech.

What is the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?

Without a doubt, it was the renovation of the new Lounge and Meeting Space in the basement (formerly the Martini Bar)—from the interior design concept to full realization. It required countless hours of research into commercial space requirements, including layout planning, lighting, safety, and dimension regulations, along with completing a six-month Interior Design course at SoftUni. It was a huge commitment for everyone involved, sometimes exceeding 10 hours of work per day, seven days a week.

What has been your favorite project to work on?

Creating videos with Zory for company parties— the videos on the Brick Port walls in recent years and the CluneTech event videos from previous years.

Do you have advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech?


The company offers great opportunities for career growth and job security—be wise and make the most of them.

August 26, 2025

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2 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Nelda Montalvo

At CluneTech, we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Program that rewards employees that choose to build a long and successful career with us. As part of this programme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching major milestones with the company.

This month we caught up with TransferMate's Financial Crime Subject Matter Expert, Nelda Montalvo who has been on our team for the last 2 years.

What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech / TransferMate?

I love that every day is different. I get to work on interesting cases and learn something new all the time. Plus, the teamwork here is great! Everyone is so willing to help out.

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech / TransferMate?

Moving into the Financial Crime Subject Matter Expert role has been a big highlight for me. It’s been really rewarding to grow in this area and work on some challenging investigations.

Who or what has inspired you the most during your time here?

Definitely the people I work with. There’s so much experience and knowledge in the team, and everyone is so open to sharing what they know.

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?

I’d say the way our processes and systems have evolved. It’s great to see how we’re improving all the time, especially in how we handle financial crime risks.

What is the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?

Some of the complex cases I’ve worked on were definitely challenging, especially when quick decisions were needed. I just focused on staying calm, asking the right questions, and working closely with the team. 

What has been your favorite project to work on?

I’ve enjoyed the investigations where I could really dig into unusual activity and spot patterns. It’s challenging work, but it’s really satisfying.

Do you have advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech / TransferMate?

Be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions and take every chance to learn from the people around you.

September 9, 2025

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10 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Kristina Ilieva

At CluneTech, we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Program that rewards employees that choose to build along and successful career with us. As part of this programme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching major milestones with the company.

This month we caught up with Kristina Ilieva, Marketing & Communications Specialist at CluneTech, who has been on our team for the last 10 years.

What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech?

Time flies when you're having fun and surrounded by great people. I feel really lucky to have spent these ten years working alongside incredibly smart, down-to-earth, and supportive colleagues. This sense of camaraderie is truly one of the best things about the group, and it remains unmatched by any other team I’ve encountered in my career so far.

 

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech?

It’s definitely not the awards, no, no!

At the end of the day, my highlight is helping to create and foster a workplace where we support each other and gravitate toward the same values: respect, innovation, and passion for what we do. And let’s not forget all the great moments and parties we’ve shared, too.

 

What is the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?

As an introverted person, my role as a Communications Specialist has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s taught me that being in the spotlight isn’t an act of selfishness, especially when you have something meaningful to say. The same goes for my amazing colleagues, whose knowledge, successes, and inspiring stories we’ve shared with the wider audience over the years. Highlighting these great examples, inspiring others, and keeping people’s spirits high is a success I’m proud of.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

There’s no single task or project I admire above the rest. Everything—from communications and writing to events, charity work, educational programs for students, and even marketing and organizational tasks—serves as an outlet for my personality. I’m deeply curious about human nature and what drives us, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many people from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and personalities.

Do you have advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech?

Dive deep into your role, and be open to learning from your mentors. Don’t give up easily when you face challenges. Instead, try to be creative, learn, and find your way through!

July 14, 2025

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5 Years at Sprintax - Interview with Rory Lynskey

At CluneTech, we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Program that rewards employees that choose to build along and successful career with us. As part of this programme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching major milestones with the company.

This month we caught up with Rory Lynskey, Senior Content Creator at Sprintax, who has been on our team for the last 5 years.

What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech / Sprintax?

It’s difficult to name just one thing, but if I had to pick then my favorite thing about working here has to be the people and the culture (that’s one, right? 😅).

Everyone here is so supportive, talented, and passionate about what they do. It’s great to be part of a team where innovation and teamwork go hand in hand.

 

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech / Sprintax?

The Taxback blog restoration project was a big highlight, reversing the decline in page views on the blog site, and the Content and SEO teams deserve a lot of praise for finding a way to do that and putting the hours into make it happen.

Personally, being promoted to Senior Content Creator was also a great moment.

 

Who or what has inspired you the most during your time here?

It’d be hard to pick just one person! Working with such a talented and supportive team makes every challenge easier! There’s always someone willing to lend a hand or share some expert knowledge to help with any situation.

 

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?

I have seen big changes at all the brands I have worked on since I joined. Overall, I’d say each brand is now a lot more polished than when I joined, and they look better than ever.

The improvements in design, messaging, and overall presentation really make them stand out to me.

What is the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?

I’d probably have to say COVID. I was only in the door of the company, getting used to the 9-5 lifestyle after fours years of college and all of a sudden I was working from home for the first time. Almost everyone else was in the same boat, however, so it made it a lot easier trying to navigate the WFH world!

What has been your favourite project to work on?

I really enjoy my work with Sprintax, there’s always so much going on and particularly at this time of year, with it being US tax season. The Dividends project as a whole is very exciting and challenging to work on so I’ll go with that.

Do you have advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech / Sprintax?

My biggest piece of advice for someone starting their career at CluneTech is to be proactive.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions - everyone here is really supportive and always willing to help. Take the time to learn about what you are working on, embrace new challenges, and get involved in different projects!

July 14, 2025

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15 Years at Benamic - Interview with Venelina Sabeva

At CluneTech, we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Program that rewards employees that choose to build along and successful career with us. As part of this programme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching major milestones with the company.

This month we caught up with Benamic's Deputy Operations Manager, Venelina Sabeva who has been on our team for the last 15 years.


What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech / Benamic?

First and foremost, it’s the people. Not only the incredible colleagues in Benamic but also everyone across other CluneTech divisions—TransferMate, HR, IT, accounting, and more. The atmosphere of cooperation, support, and tolerance is what fosters confidence, nurtures talent, and allows individuals to grow and thrive.

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech / Benamic?

I wouldn’t pinpoint just one highlight, but rather the entire journey we’ve experienced together and the exciting future ahead for the business. Watching the company evolve and grow—through the ups and downs—is the most fulfilling aspect of my time here. Being part of that progression is truly interesting.

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?

The biggest change has definitely been the automation introduced in many processes. What once required manual data entry, like registrations and payments, is now automated. This is a massive shift I couldn’t have imagined before. Another significant change is the flexibility of the business, especially the shift to offering home office opportunities, which has been a game-changer.

What is the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?

There have been several daily challenges, but with persistence and a strong team, they’ve all been manageable. Personally, the greatest challenge was finding the right work-life balance and setting boundaries to ensure I could manage both my personal and professional life effectively.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

Automation has always been my area of passion. I’m very much algorithm- and math-oriented, so finding patterns and implementing new processes brings me joy.

Do you have advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech / Benamic?

Take on challenges—this is how opportunities arise. Work hard, be persistent, and remember to never miss a party! 😊

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Celebrates Rising Stars at Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards

Friday, February 6th 2026. CluneTech was proud to celebrate the achievements of Kilkenny’s emerging young talent as it hosted the Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards at its Kilkenny HQ on January 27th and 28th. Held over two evenings, the awards recognised the dedication and commitment of theU16 Kilkenny GAA hurling and football squads, alongside the U15 Kilkenny Camogie Academy and Development squads.

Members of the Na Cait Óga U16 Hurling Squad pictured with coaches, mentors, officials and CluneTech representatives at the Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards Evening, held at CluneTech’s Kilkenny HQ.

Members of the Na Cait Óga U16 Football Squad pictured with coaches, mentors, officials and CluneTech representatives at the Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards Evening, held at CluneTech’s Kilkenny HQ.

Over both evenings, a small number of players from hurling, football and camogie were also selected for the Driver of Excellence Awards, recognising individuals who demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership and determination throughout the season, both on and off the pitch. Players were joined by their families, coaches and mentors to mark an important milestone in their development journey.

Members of the U15 Kilkenny Camogie Development Squad pictured with coaches, mentors, officials and CluneTech representatives at the Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards Evening, held at CluneTech’s Kilkenny HQ.

Special guest speakers across the two nights included CluneTech’s Derek Lyng for hurling, Christy Walsh for football and Aoife Prendergast for camogie. Each shared valuable insights and encouragement with the young athletes as they continue their progression within the academy pathways.

(L-R) Aoife Prendergast, Kilkenny Camogie Player, Christy Walsh, Kilkenny Junior Football Manager, Derek Lyng, CluneTech.

CluneTech has been the main sponsor of both the Kilkenny GAA Academy (Na Cait Óga) and the Kilkenny Camogie Academy since 2024, under a three-year partnership supporting more than 500 players across both pathways. The sponsorship helps fund essential operational and player-welfare costs, including transport, equipment, nutrition and medical supports, ensuring a high-performance environment can be sustained for young athletes across the county.

Terry Clune, Founder and CEO of CluneTech, said:

“We were delighted to host the Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards at our Kilkenny HQ and to celebrate the hard work and commitment shown by these young players throughout their academy journey. CluneTech is proud to support both academies and to play a role in developing the next generation of Kilkenny athletes. We would like to thank the coaches, mentors, parents and all involved for the dedication they continue to show year after year.”

This sponsorship forms part of CluneTech’s award-winning CSR programme, CluneTech Cares. Established in 2007 and created by its people, for its people, the programme supports charities and causes worldwide while having a strong local impact in Kilkenny and in the communities where CluneTech operates.

Speaking at the event, Sean Kelly, Kilkenny GAA Performance Lead, said:

“The Academy Awards are an important point in the development pathway, giving us an opportunity to recognise the work and commitment shown by our players throughout the year. For our U16 hurlers and footballers, this marks a key stage as they continue to progress within the Kilkenny system, building strong habits around preparation, discipline and performance.

Nights like this reflect the high standards being set across the academy and the collective effort of players, coaches and families in supporting long-term development both on and off the pitch.”

Tommy Farrell, Kilkenny Camogie Development Officer, added:

“This was a really special evening for Kilkenny Camogie, bringing players, families and coaches together to celebrate the progress made by our U15 academy and development squads. It’s important to take time to acknowledge the enjoyment, confidence and personal growth that comes from being part of the academy journey.

The awards night captured the positive atmosphere around the programme and highlighted the strong sense of community that supports our young players as they continue to develop and enjoy the game.”

PJ Kenny, Chairman of Kilkenny GAA, said:

“The Academy Awards are an important occasion in the underage calendar, giving young players the opportunity to be recognised for their commitment and effort throughout the year. It is a proud moment for players, families and coaches, and a reminder of the standards being developed within the Kilkenny academy pathway.”

Theresa Aylward, Kilkenny Camogie Chairperson, added:

“Kilkenny Camogie is delighted with our partnership with CluneTech, as we share many common values, standards and a strong sense of identity. Their support allows us to continue developing and supporting our young camogie players, and occasions like the Academy Awards are an important opportunity to recognise their progress and encourage them as they work to reach their potential within Kilkenny’s high-performance environment.”

The two awards evenings reflected the strength of the partnership between CluneTech, Kilkenny GAA and Kilkenny Camogie, and a shared commitment to providing young players with a supportive and high-quality development environment. As the academy programmes continue to grow, the focus remains on nurturing talent, building character and ensuring that young athletes across the county are given every opportunity to reach their potential both on and off the pitch.

For more information, please contact:

Lauren Cleere, CluneTech, lauren.cleere@clunetech.com  

Mary Morgan, Kilkenny GAA PRO, pro.kilkenny@gaa.ie

Aoife Lanigan, Kilkenny Camogie PRO, pro.kilkenny@camogie.ie

February 6, 2026

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CluneTech and Cois Nore: In It Together for Kilkenny’s New Cancer Support Centre

Thursday, 29th of January 2026. Today, CluneTech and Cois Nore announced a sponsorship supporting the development of a dedicated therapy wing at Cois Nore’s new Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny, marking a significant milestone and an important investment in the future of cancer support services for the people of Kilkenny

CluneTech’s sponsorship will fund the refurbishment and fit-out of the therapy wing within the new Cois Nore House.

Every day in County Kilkenny, two families receive a cancer diagnosis, beginning a journey that affects not only the individual but also their families, friends, and communities. Since 2013, Cois Nore has been a safe haven for those living with cancer, providing free, professional, community-based support.

As demand has outgrown its Walkin Street premises, work is now underway on a new purpose-built centre on the Waterford Road. The new Cancer Support Centre is expected to open in March 2026 and will meet the growing needs of people affected by cancer across Kilkenny.

CluneTech’s sponsorship provides vital funding for a modern, purpose-designed therapy space that will support individuals and families throughout their cancer journey. Alongside community generosity, government support, and contributions from other supporters, this investment is helping to bring the new centre closer to completion and enables Cois Nore to continue delivering free, confidential support and professional and voluntary services to people of all ages.

The new Cois Nore House will include dedicated therapy rooms, safe spaces for children and teenagers, group support facilities, and activity areas designed to nurture recovery and dignity. It will provide a welcoming environment where individuals and families can access guidance, compassion, and community at a time when they need it most.

Terry Clune, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of CluneTech, said:

“Kilkenny is home for many of us at CluneTech, and we recognise the importance of standing with our community during difficult times. Cancer touches so many families, and Cois Nore has been a steadfast and compassionate support to the people of Kilkenny for over a decade. We are proud to support the development of the new Cois Nore therapy wing and the vital work that will continue there. We are in it together with Cois Nore and with the people of Kilkenny.”

Bill Cuddihy, Chairperson of Cois Nore, said:

“Cois Nore is very grateful for the support we have received from all sections of the community in Kilkenny. CluneTech’s sponsorship is a powerful statement of solidarity and shows a deep investment in the wellbeing of the community. Together, we are building a centre that protects dignity, nurtures recovery, and empowers hope.”

Mary Dolan, Manager of Cois Nore, said:

“The people of Kilkenny deserve a Cancer Support Centre with the space and resources to deliver a high-quality service. This partnership with CluneTech helps us take an important step towards that vision. Cois Nore has become like a second family for so many, and this new centre will allow us to welcome more people into a space that truly meets their needs.”

This sponsorship forms part of CluneTech Cares, CluneTech’s award-winning corporate social responsibility programme. Founded in 2007, the programme supports charities and causes worldwide and is driven by employee involvement. With a strong local impact in Kilkenny and the communities where CluneTech operates, this sponsorship brings the new centre and expanded cancer support services one step closer to reality.

About Cois Nore

Founded in 2013, Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre provides free, professional, community-based services to patients, families, and carers in Kilkenny. Affiliated with the National Cancer Control Programme, Cois Nore offers counselling, touch therapies, children’s services, support groups, and wellness activities — all delivered locally with empathy and understanding.


About CluneTech

CluneTech isa suite of software technology companies providing solutions that simplifyglobal business. Established in 1996, CluneTech is headquartered in Ireland,with more than 1,200 employees globally and operations in over 100 countries.CluneTech has been recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces for tenconsecutive years by Great Place to Work.


For more information:

CluneTech

Lauren Cleere, Marketing and Communications Manager

lauren.cleere@clunetech.com

Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre

Email: info@coisnore.ie

Phone: 056 775 2222

Website:www.coisnore.ie

January 29, 2026

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CluneTech Strengthens Its Commitment to FAST Heroes 112 in Varna

Thursday, 5 June 2025 – Varna, Bulgaria

CluneTech is proud to announce the continued success and growth of the award-winning educational initiative FAST Heroes 112, which has now expanded city-wide in Varna, Bulgaria. Endorsed by the World Stroke Organization and supported by CluneTech since 2022, the program currently reaches 26 kindergartens and more than 2,100 children, delivering life-saving health education to families across the region.

What began as a pilot in just one school has grown into a vital community initiative, turning health education into a celebration and raising essential stroke awareness among nearly 13,000 people in the Varna municipality.

In partnership with the Varna Municipality and the Heart to Heart Foundation Bulgaria, we remain committed to expanding the program’s impact even further.

About FAST Heroes 112

FAST Heroes 112 is an award-winning educational program, endorsed by the World Stroke Organization. It aims to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and emphasizes the importance of immediate action when these signs appear. The program harnesses children’s natural enthusiasm for learning and sharing to spread life-saving knowledge not only in kindergartens and primary schools but also within families at home.

Children aged 6 to 11 learn how to identify stroke symptoms through engaging, adventure-based lessons, and then share that knowledge with their families. On average, each child passes this information on to six adults, amplifying the program’s impact beyond the classroom walls.

Why stroke prevention matters

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Bulgaria and worldwide, and tragically, one of the main reasons children lose their grandparents. Many stroke patients miss out on life-saving treatment because they don’t recognize symptoms early enough and arrive at the hospital too late. However, if stroke victims receive swift and effective acute care, survival rates improve dramatically.

This is why increasing awareness of stroke symptoms and empowering people to seek emergency care immediately is crucial. FAST Heroes 112 contributes to building this awareness, helping families respond quickly when it matters most.

Varna, home to our largest Bulgarian office, is also one of the cities with the highest stroke rates in the country — making this partnership especially meaningful.

Looking ahead to expand our reach

This fall, FAST Heroes 112 will continue its vital work by reaching children and families in all primary and elementary schools across Varna. Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing journey to make Varna safer — one child, one family, and one community at a time.

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Cares Fourth Quarter Recap

Our CSR Programme - CluneTech Cares, is a fantastic representation of what we are - a team of truly caring individuals giving our best to support and add value, not only to our customers, but also to the communities in which we operate. CluneTech Cares is employee-led and has three key pillars: Wellness, Culture & Community, and Sustainability. It has been a busy quarter so make sure to check out some of our latest activities below.

October’s CSR Spotlight: Breast Cancer Awareness

For the month of October, we are traditionally raising funds for Race for the Cure which plays a crucial role in supporting breast cancer organizations and hospitals across Europe.

With a staggering 500,000 new diagnoses and 125,000 lives lost to breast cancer in Europe every year, the funds raised through events like this are of vital importance. They enable these organizations to continue their life-saving work, providing support, research, and awareness to combat this disease.

This October, more than 150 CluneTech colleagues took part in our fundraising events for breast cancer awareness and Race for the Cure across the globe. These events included group walks in Bulgaria and Ireland and a Breast Cancer Awareness talk at our Kilkenny HQ.

In addition, Presiyana Vitanova, Desislava Georgieva, Desislava Chervenkova and Ralitsa Hristova used their Volunteer Day to distribute flyers at the St. Marina Medical Center in Varna, Bulgaria, raising awareness about the importance of breast cancer screenings.

Thanks to our team's efforts, we donated €1,590 to this incredible cause.

   

November’s CSR Spotlight: Movember

This November, we focused our CSR Spotlight on men’s health and the globally recognized Movember movement.

Since its inception in 2003, Movember has grown into a global movement, bringing together passionate Mo Bros and Mo Sisters – individuals dedicated to making a difference in mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. So far, the campaign has raised USD 1.4 billion, funding life-saving research and initiatives for men’s health.

Throughout November, CluneTech employees embraced the cause by growing their own moustaches and staying active for men’s mental health. For each moustache photo posted with the hashtag #Movember, CluneTech Cares generously donated €20. We also stuck to our monthly 5k challenge by donating €5 for every employee who posted a picture of their 5k into our internal communications platform.

At the close of Movember, CluneTech made a significant monetary contribution to Movember, supporting various men's health charities and organizations. A big thank you to all of our amazing colleagues for their dedication and participation.

2024 Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards, proudly supported by CluneTech

This quarter, CluneTech had the privilege of hosting the 2024 Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards at our Kilkenny HQ. Over two unforgettable evenings, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of the U16 Kilkenny GAA Football and Hurling Teams, as well as the U15 Kilkenny Camogie Academy and Development Squads.

The event brought together players, families, coaches, and mentors, highlighting the dedication and passion that drive Kilkenny’s young athletes. We were honored to welcome special guest speakers Henry Shefflin, Miriam Walsh, and Richie Donnelly, who inspired attendees with their words of wisdom and shared their own journeys in sport.

CluneTech is proud to support Kilkenny GAA and Kilkenny Camogie, empowering the next generation of athletes and fostering a sense of teamwork and community. These awards nights were a true reflection of the hard work and commitment of everyone involved, and we’re delighted to have played a role in celebrating their success.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the coaches, mentors, and leaders, including Michael Fennelly, Performance Lead at Kilkenny GAA, and Tommy Farrell, Kilkenny Camogie Development Officer, for their vital contributions.

December’s CSR Spotlight: Preventing Homelessness & Poverty

This December, our CSR Spotlight of the month shines on St. Vincent de Paul, a remarkable organization providing vital support to those experiencing poverty and homelessness—especially during the holidays.

SVP provides vital services such as housing assistance, food support, and education resources, making a meaningful difference in communities across Ireland—especially during the holiday season.

To help make a difference, we’re hosting a Christmas Jumper Day at our Kilkenny HQ on Wednesday, December 18th. For every festive jumper worn to the office, CluneTech will donate €5 to St. Vincent de Paul.

The jumper doesn’t need to be flashy—what truly matters is the kindness and generosity behind this initiative. Together, let’s help bring a little more joy and warmth to those in need this holiday season.

Christmas Gifts for 176 children from the Center for Special Educational Support in Varna

This December, in response to a request from a teacher, CluneTech made a generous financial donation to the Center for Special Educational Support in Varna. The donation will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for nearly 200 students who rely on the center’s services to navigate their educational journey, as they were born with special needs.

Since its transformation in August 2017, the former Special Education School "Brothers Miladinovi" in Varna has become a Center for Special Educational Support, meeting modern standards for educating children with developmental disabilities. The center currently employs over 30 teachers and 10 therapists, who provide education and care to 176 children aged 6 to 18.

The center is equipped with nine classrooms and a dedicated ergonomic therapy space. The classrooms are designed to cater to the sensory integration needs of the children, with environments tailored to each age group. In preschool and primary school classrooms, a multisensory approach alternates between learning and physical activities, all designed to engage students through practical experience. For non-verbal children on the autism spectrum and those with limited mobility due to cerebral palsy, the center uses advanced tools like the Communicator5 eye-control device for communication and Tobii games for eye training and fun.

In addition to education, the center provides consulting, diagnostic, corrective-educational, and therapeutic services aimed at addressing and compensating for the students’ individual needs.

Giving Back to Our Communities: From New York and Beyond

At CluneTech, our commitment to giving back is at the heart of everything we do. At the end of 2024, our US teams were honored to make annual donations to three exceptional organizations that tirelessly serve our communities: One to World, Coalition for the Homeless, and the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center.

One to World

One to World enriches the global community by fostering intercultural understanding and cooperation. Through education programs and cultural exchange initiatives, they connect international students and scholars with local communities, building bridges of understanding and collaboration. We are proud to support their mission to make the world a more inclusive and connected place.

One To World provides face-to-face experiences among local communities, international students, and Fulbright scholars. Our programs foster curiosity, respect, inclusion, and community for a better world. None of this work would be possible without donors like you. We couldn’t be more grateful for your generosity and your commitment to our mission.

Deepesh Dhingra, Executive Director of One to World.

Coalition for the Homeless

The Coalition for the Homeless has been a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness in New York City. Offering food, shelter, and support services, they work tirelessly to help individuals and families regain stability and rebuild their lives. We are deeply inspired by their dedication and honored to contribute to their life-changing efforts.

Because of your invaluable support, the Coalition has been able to expand our services and advocacy to meet the growing need. We are committed to seeing no one go hungry, homeless, or without shelter in our city. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and compassion – you are truly making a difference.

Dave Giffen, Executive Director of Coalition for the Homeless.

The Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center

Located in New York, the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Centre is a lifeline for Irish immigrants and the broader community, offering mental health support, senior care, and cultural programs. Our donation to the Aisling Irish Community Centre will specifically support their mental health programs, which provide critical resources and support to those in need. Their commitment to fostering connection and well-being for all who walk through their doors is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to support their vital mission.

We provide support, programs and services to approximately 15,000 people during the year. We promote wellness, infuse culture, and offer empathy with every interaction as our mission is to care for the “whole person”. With 352 private social service sessions delivered so far this year we have worked with youth, families, and seniors to provide a range of supports, meeting their individual needs. We support the Irish because we have made a commitment to our funders to do so.  We do everything else, because we are Irish. Thank you for putting a spotlight on the need for food security, and the growing need for mental health support – and for helping us to do our part in providing that support. 

Sandra Feeney-Charles, Executive Director of the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center.

We extend our sincerest thanks to these organizations for their tireless work to uplift and support those in need. Your efforts make a profound difference in the lives of so many, and we are proud to stand with you. Together, we can continue to build stronger, more inclusive communities and create a brighter future for all.

The Taxback International Team Takes on the '12 Dips of December' Challenge

Our Taxback International team showed true courage by diving into the cold River Barrow—not once, but 12 times each — as part of the '12 Dips in December' challenge.

A huge thank you to our daring participants: Cora Phelan, Therese Hegarty, Éanna Brady, Nigel O'Donovan, Nicola Delaney, Joe Forristal, Eoin Dunphy, Brian Cooney, and Clare Farrell. All of which took the plunge to support three incredible causes, the Irish Heart Foundation, Pieta and Breast Cancer Ireland

We are so grateful for the generous donations and words of encouragement from everyone who supported our team. Your contributions will go a long way in helping these essential organizations continue their lifechanging work.

We’re beyond proud of our team for their dedication. By the end of their 12 Dips of December Challenge, our team raised over 3,000 euros in total. A massive well done to all involved.

Volunteering at CluneTech

Introduced in 2021, our CSR Volunteer Day empowers each employee to give back to the charities and causes closest to them. Since the inception of Volunteer Day, 210+ CluneTech employees have contributed to causes which they find meaningful, and this number keeps growing. See what they had to share with us about their experience this quarter:

Anita Ilieva and Denis Ibrqmov: A day of giving back in their local dog shelter

This November, Denis Ibrqmov and Anita Ilieva from the TransferMate Treasury Team spent a meaningful day at a local dog shelter in their hometown Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Here's what they had to share about their experience:

“As animal lovers, this cause is something we truly hold close to our hearts, and we felt incredibly fortunate to be able to give back in a small but impactful way.

Our visit was filled with laughter, love, and a lot of wagging tails! We spent time playing with the adorable puppies, whose energy and joy were absolutely contagious. It was a heartwarming experience, and we couldn’t help but feel a deep connection with these wonderful animals who are waiting for their forever homes.

In addition to spending time with the dogs, we also rolled up our sleeves to help clean the cages, making sure the puppies and older dogs had a clean, safe space to rest. We also donated much-needed food to the shelter, knowing how essential it is to provide them with the best care possible.

This experience reminded us just how important it is to support causes that help those who can’t speak for themselves. It’s not just about giving material things, but also about showing kindness, compassion, and love to creatures who give us so much joy in return.

We encourage everyone to get involved in their communities and support causes that matter. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every little bit helps."

   

Linda Mooney Supporting Young Athletes: A Day at the Primary School Cross Country

As part of our commitment to volunteering, Linda Mooney took a break from her customer service role to spend a day with primary school students participating in a cross-country event. This voluntary day provided her the opportunity to support young athletes and encourage their involvement in competitive running.

“I had the chance to take some time out from dealing with clients in Customer Service to spend the day with students aged 8/9 to 12 years thanks to CluneTech cares and our voluntary day. A lovely fresh Irish morning (ideal running conditions) had me walking 35 students from the school to the back field of beautiful Kilkenny Castle. We arrange them by age to get to the start line as they run them by age/class and whether boys or girls (over 800 participants so it crazy trying to not miss their start time). All the kids had great fun and we had 2nd place for 5th class girls and they got bronze for team event, 6th class boys missed out on bronze for the team but had 5th place individual. After it’s all over and few tired kids, we walk them back to the school. It’s great chance for students that are not part of Athletic club to have a chance to run and get a feel for competitive running and cross country. I had 2 of my own running in the 4th class girls and 6th class boys so was lovely to be their to cheer them on.”

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Cares Third Quarter Recap

Our CSR Programme - CluneTech Cares, is a fantastic representation of what we are - a team of truly caring individuals giving our best to support and add value, not only to our customers, but also to the communities in which we operate. CluneTech Cares is employee-led and has three key pillars: Wellness, Culture & Community, and Sustainability. It has been a busy quarter so make sure to check out some of our latest activities below.

July’s CSR Spotlight: The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and Karin Dom

Our CSR Spotlight of the Month initiative shines a light on a specific charity or cause for our teams to support. During this time, employees from around the world can join in a remote or in-person 5k walk, run, swim, or cycle.

This July, we focused our efforts on supporting The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and Karin Dom, two organizations dedicated to improving children's health and well-being.

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation provides vital in-home nursing and end-of-life care for children with severe and life-limiting conditions throughout Ireland. The foundation offers families much-needed respite and support, ensuring that children receive compassionate care in the comfort of their homes.

Karin Dom is a Bulgarian non-profit organization founded in 1996 by Ivan Stancioff. It serves as a therapeutic center for children with special needs, employing a team of skilled professionals, including physiotherapists, speech therapists, and social workers. Despite their impactful work, Karin Dom faces ongoing challenges due to increasing costs.

Thanks to our team’s involvement throughout July, CluneTech donated over €350 on behalf of our staff to these dedicated charities, supporting their essential services for children and families in Ireland and Bulgaria.


August CSR Spotlight: Supporting Animal Welfare

In celebration of International Dog Day, our August CSR Spotlight focused on supporting animal welfare organizations. Donations raised went towards the life-saving efforts of charities and groups working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need.

Our primary beneficiary during August was PAWS, an organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned and homeless animals, mainly dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. PAWS collaborates with volunteers, local vets, and adoption groups to rescue hundreds of animals each year, provide them with temporary care, and find them loving forever homes.

A highlight of the month was the Lucky Hunt Project Charity Bazaar, which was organized in support of Lucky Hunt. Founded 13 years ago by Svetlana Hunt, Lucky Hunt operates two facilities: a rehabilitation farm for rescued animals and an open-concept shelter for stray dogs, where the animals are not kept in cages. Over the years, the Lucky Hunt Project has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of homeless animals, providing them with a safe environment and a chance at finding forever homes.

The charity bazaar was a tremendous success, with contributions making a significant impact on the shelter’s ability to provide vital resources to animals in need. Employees had the opportunity to learn more about Lucky Hunt’s mission, support the cause, and contribute directly to helping these animals.

Thanks to our team’s active participation, CluneTech made a monetary donation to support animal welfare initiatives, making a meaningful difference for organizations like Lucky Hunt and other beneficiaries. Thank you to everyone who took part and showed their support!

September’s CSR Spotlight: World Suicide Awareness

In September, CluneTech Cares honored World Suicide Awareness Month by dedicating our CSR Spotlight to Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, an organization committed to preventing suicide and saving lives in the community.

This year, we organized a 5K CSR Walk at our Kilkenny HQ to bring employees together and raise funds and awareness for the cause. The walk provided a great opportunity for our team to connect, support each other, and contribute to a meaningful initiative. Throughout the month, we also took the opportunity to highlight CluneTech’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), ensuring that employees across the globe are aware of the mental health resources available to them.

At the end of September, CluneTech made a monetary donation to Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, supporting their essential efforts in mental health and suicide prevention. A big thank you to all of our colleagues for their participation and dedication during this important month!

‘Let's Clean Bulgaria Together’ Initiative 

In just under an hour, our Bulgarian colleagues proudly collected a total of fifteen bags of trash as part of the ‘Let’s Clean Bulgaria Together’ initiative, which they have now participated in for the second consecutive year.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our young volunteers—Maya, Tervel, Boris, Gabi, and Miroslav—who, along with their parents and our dedicated colleagues Emiliya Dimitrova, Vesselin Markov, Miglena Kostova, Elka Krashevska, Aleksandrina Konstantinova, Ina Eneva, and Daniela Roussev, and their friends, spent their Saturday morning cleaning the area around our Bacho Kiro office in Varna, Bulgaria.

The 12th edition of ‘Let’s Clean Bulgaria Together’ took place on September 14th throughout Bulgaria, in support of World Cleanup Day 2024, which will be observed on September 20th. As Bulgaria’s largest volunteer initiative, it aims to shift attitudes toward pollution, foster a sense of personal responsibility, and contribute to environmental conservation while making a visible difference.

On September 14th, thousands of volunteers, including students from hundreds of schools and kindergartens as well as NGOs, equipped with bags, gloves, and rubber boots, came together to clean polluted areas and water bodies across the country.

Since the launch of ‘Let’s Clean Bulgaria Together’, nearly 3,102,000 volunteers have collected approximately 100,000 tons of waste, clearing 28,800 illegal dumpsites and polluted areas. According to the global organization Let’s Do It World, every 10 tons of waste cleaned by volunteers saves €22 million and three years of institutional labour. World Cleanup Day is recognized by the European Parliament and is included in the UN calendar.

Laptop Donation to St. Aidan’s National School, Kilkenny

As part of CluneTech Cares, we were delighted to donate laptops to St. Aidan's National School in Kilkenny! These laptops will help students and staff integrate ICT into the curriculum, enhancing digital learning while also reducing e-waste by giving older electronics a second life.

Principal Robbie Byrne shared:

"St. Aidan's NS is delighted to accept the very kind donation of laptops from CluneTech / TransferMate. The laptops will be very useful in our classrooms and support rooms as we integrate ICT across the curriculum. It's also great to see laptops recycled in this way which will benefit many of our students."

At CluneTech Cares, we’re proud to support our local community while fostering a more sustainable future! Many thanks to James Murphy for driving this initiative forward.

CluneTech continues its support for the I Want a Baby Foundation

We are honored that for a second year in a row, CluneTech is donating to the I Want a Baby Foundation in Bulgaria, supporting the facilitation of psychological support groups for women and couples with infertility. Over the past year, our initial donation helped nine women experiencing infertility receive much-needed support, and three of them have since become mothers.

CluneTech Cares: Celebrating the Kilkenny Stars BIDL Women’s Team

CluneTech Cares is proud to sponsor the Kilkenny Stars BIDL Women’s Team, who had an impressive season debut on Saturday evening. The team kicked off their journey in senior basketball with enthusiasm and determination, backed by a lively crowd that brought vibrant energy to the game.

Despite facing challenges in the first half, the team demonstrated resilience and teamwork, pushing through to secure a decisive victory against their neighbours, the Tipperary Knights. This promising start has set the stage for an exciting season ahead, and we look forward to supporting the Kilkenny Stars as they continue to shine on and off the court!


Gavroche Association: Empowering Youth Through Legal Education

As part of a CluneTech Cares initiative, young residents from the Gavroche Association’s supervised residence and the Caritas sheltered housing recently visited the Varna District Court. The visit was organized with support from our dedicated colleagues Daniela Tsoneva and Emiliya Dimitrova, who aim to help social service users and employees in the region gain valuable experience and learn best practices in human rights and support for vulnerable individuals.

During the visit, the group had the opportunity to engage with Deputy Chairperson and Judge Ralitsa Raykova, Veselina Todorova, Coordinator of the Mediation Center, and Stella Yankova, Head of the Court’s Press Center. The court representatives shared insights on civil and criminal cases and offered real-life examples from their experiences working with citizens.

The youths also explored topics like judicial mediation as an alternative way to resolve disputes, the role of the National Legal Aid Bureau, and the responsibilities of the duty judge—a key figure in granting permissions related to finances and real estate for individuals under guardianship.

This initiative is part of CluneTech’s ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting educational opportunities that empower young people in the region.

CluneTech Cares: Supporting Young Racer Adam Butler

CluneTech is absolutely delighted to sponsor local young racer Adam Butler. We recently welcomed Adam to our Kilkenny HQ following his participation in the #T4NationsCup2024. Thanks to Adam and his team, we had the opportunity to see one of his racing karts in person, further highlighting our commitment to supporting young talent in the community. We look forward to following Adam's journey on the racetrack!

Volunteering at CluneTech

Introduced in 2021, our CSR Volunteer Day empowers each employee to give back to the charities and causes closest to them. Since the inception of Volunteer Day, 160+ CluneTech employees have contributed to causes which they find meaningful, and this number keeps growing. See what they had to share with us about their experience this quarter:

Our amazing colleagues Antonia Petrova and Silviya Krasteva volunteered at the latest edition of the ‘I believe and help’ campaign.

Antonia and Silvia brought 18 kg of plastic caps that the employees in our Varna office collected and spent the day supporting the cause at the Cathedral in the heart of the city.

‘I believe and help’ is a well-known Bulgarian initiative which is run biannually - once in the spring, and once in the autumn. It promotes plastic caps collection and recycling as a way to gather funds for buying vital medical equipment for children’s hospitals while also supporting the planet and recycling tons of plastic each year. Well done to Antonia and Silviya for their amazing work!

Team Victory for CluneTech at the Mount Juliet Corporate Invitational

Last Thursday, CluneTech was proud to be represented at the annual Mount Juliet Corporate Invitational, where our team not only enjoyed spectacular weather but also played an exceptional round of golf.

Competing with determination and skill, the team of Padraig Lahart, Jack O'Keeffe, Patrick Dalton, and David Dooley showcased their talent on the course, ultimately taking home the first-place prize!

Thank you to Padraig, Jack, Patrick and David for supporting this event through CluneTech Cares.

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech’s annual donation will foster Karin Dom’s social entrepreneurship

June 11th 2024, Varna, Bulgaria. CluneTech’s annual donation to Karin Dom will support their social enterprise, providing jobs for two mothers of children on the autism spectrum who use Karin Dom’s services in Varna, Bulgaria. Our donation ensures that the salaries and social contributions of these mothers are covered for six months, allowing them to continue working at Karin Dom while being close to their children and addressing the challenges of raising children with special needs.

Petya and Zhivka work in Karin Dom’s social enterprise while their sons attend Montessori groups and therapeutic swimming lessons. Initially, both mothers started as volunteers, seeking distraction from the challenges they faced while raising their children. As Karin Dom’s social enterprise formalized, they were invited to become employed.

Petya shares her experience:

"Eight years ago, I first stepped into Karin Dom for my son's initial assessment. I was anxious, scared, and didn't know what to expect. My son began attending therapies, and I joined the Parent Group. I was in denial about his Autism, but the group helped me recover and smile again. Volunteering kept me from constantly thinking about the difficulties, giving me satisfaction. I love helping, feeling good, and being useful. When the social enterprise was established, we started working there, and now I feel even more fulfilled. Karin Dom is where I found support, understanding, empathy, and guidance on how to cope with Mitaka's condition. Having a vocation is very valuable, and I am glad to be part of the Karin Dom team!"

 

"Today, Petya and Zhivka craft toys for Karin Dom’s Christmas and Martenitsi campaigns, which are sold to support therapeutic programs for children with special needs.  “Handmade products require a lot of attention, skill, and time to prepare but Petya and Zhivka are continuously developing and are no longer afraid to tackle the sewing machine.”, our partners from Karin Dom shared.

About CluneTech Cares. CluneTech’s CSR programme was established in September 2007 in response to a tragic flooding disaster in Tsar Kaloyan, Bulgaria. Deeply saddened by the news, our Bulgarian employees decided to help and within 48 hours, they had rallied together and organised 3.5 tonnes of food and 12,000 liters of water for the village. After this event, we formalised our CSR activity to give it a global reach, ensuring to support each of the communities in which we operate. Today we’re proud to have a CSR Programme that is created by our people, for our people.

Karin Dom is a Bulgarian non-profit organization founded in 1996 by hereditary diplomat and philanthropist Ivan Stancioff. 28 years on, Karin Dom is an organization with a leading role in providing professional services for children with special needs and their families. Set in the beautiful city of Varna, Bulgaria, Karin Dom's new building which opened in September 2022, gives children with special needs from the Northeast of Bulgaria access to vital therapy that helps them to grow in strength and confidence.

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CluneTech’s OneTeam Awards: Celebrating Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence

At CluneTech, collaboration and recognition aren’t just buzzwords, they are the foundation of our culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in our OneTeam Awards, a signature recognition program that honours the spirit of unity, innovation, and excellence that drives our success.

A Legacy of Recognition: From Employee of the Quarter to OneTeam Awards

Over 12 years ago, CluneTech launched an initiative to spotlight outstanding individual contributions through what was then known as Employee of the Quarter. As our company evolved, so too did our approach to recognition. In 2019, inspired by employee feedback, the program was reimagined and relaunched as the OneTeam Awards.

This transformation reflected more than just a name change — it marked a deeper commitment to recognising the collective effort that fuels our business.

Today, the OneTeam Awards take place twice a year, giving employees across the globe the opportunity to nominate a colleague whose contributions reflect one of our core values: Innovation, OneTeam, Passion, and Respect. These nominations reinforce our ongoing commitment to living these values in our everyday work.

The OneTeam Awards celebrate not only individual achievements but also the teamwork, creativity, camaraderie, and mutual respect that are essential to our culture and continued growth.

OneTeam Awards Over the Years

Creating Moments That Matter

From lively in-office celebrations to heartfelt doorstep award deliveries during remote work, the OneTeam Awards have become a meaningful tradition filled with unforgettable moments. These celebrations strengthen the bonds between colleagues, highlighting the impact of each individual’s work, and reinforcing the values that make CluneTech a unique and inspiring place to be.

As our HR Manager in Bulgaria, Ekaterina Hristova, puts it:

“The OneTeam Awards represent more than just recognition, they show our people that what they do truly matters. These awards are a part of our company’s DNA. They celebrate our shared success and remind us that together, we are stronger.”

Recognition Beyond the OneTeam Awards

While the OneTeam Awards are a standout celebration of collaboration and excellence, they’re just one part of CluneTech’s broader commitment to recognising our people. We offer a wide range of recognition initiatives that celebrate contributions both big and small, across all levels of the organisation:

• Milestone Recognition Programme – Honouring the dedication of our long-serving team members.

• Global Employee of the Year Awards – Celebrating individuals whose impact and performance have stood out over the year.

• Workvivo Shout-Outs – Enabling real-time, peer-to-peer recognition for everyday efforts and achievements, both within and across teams.

• Celebrating Personal and Professional Highlights – From birthday cards and new baby gifts to congratulatory hampers for passing exams, we take pride in acknowledging life’s special moments and supporting our employees in all their successes.

A Culture Built on Recognition and Unity

At CluneTech, recognition is more than a program — it’s a reflection of who we are. The OneTeam Awards, along with our wider recognition initiatives, demonstrate our commitment to valuing every individual and celebrating the spirit of teamwork that drives our success. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to fostering a culture where people feel seen, appreciated, and inspired — because when we celebrate each other, we thrive together.

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech further strengthens commitment to supporting their people

The Kilkenny-headquartered company today announced improvements across a range of leaves to support their people

Wednesday, 22 November 2023. Kilkenny-based software technology group, CluneTech, has today announced improvements across a range of leave types to support their people during the more difficult times they may face in life.

The changes announced today cover three key areas: compassionate leave, miscarriage and pregnancy loss leave, and IVF and pregnancy support leave. The announcement marks another significant step in CluneTech’s commitment to caring for, and supporting their people, and the additional leaves are available to all of the company’s 1,200 employees globally.

Compassionate leave, which is available from day one of employment, has been significantly increased, with the company now offering 4 weeks paid leave for the loss of a spouse or child. Employees can also avail of 5 days and 3 days paid leave for the loss of an immediate or non-immediate family member respectively.

For the first time in the company’s history, they are also recognising the important role that pets play in their employees’ lives, particularly as many people avail of CluneTech’s flexible working offering and choose to work from home. With this in mind, a dedicated Pet Compassionate Leave has been introduced where employees can avail of up to 2days paid leave for the loss of a beloved pet.

The new policy also includes extended paid leave of five days for those impacted by pregnancy loss when this occurs prior to 24weeks, as after this the company’s paid maternity leave applies. In addition, where an employee’s partner has experienced pregnancy loss, they are now covered in the policy and can avail of the full five days paid leave.

Access to, and support during fertility treatment is a key focus of CluneTech, who earlier this year announced their support of The I Want a Baby Foundation in Bulgaria. Employees based in Ireland can already avail of best-in-class fertility care as part of the company’s health cover with Laya Healthcare. Previously, employees could avail of up to 3 days paid leave for IVF and pregnancy support. This has now been increased to 5 days paid leave and extended to the partner of a person undergoing IVF / pregnancy support.

The improvements announced today are part of an already extensive benefits package which includes Lifework Days ̶ an additional half day’s leave per quarter where employees can get their life jobs done without having to use their hard-earned annual leave, flexible working ̶ including remote and hybrid working, an award-winning Milestone Recognition Programme which rewards those who choose to grow their career with CluneTech, and much more. Last month, CluneTech were awarded Overall Excellence in HR at the 2023 HR Leadership &Management Awards for their innovative approach to flexibility.

Speaking about the leave enhancements, Terry Clune, CEO, CluneTech said: “CluneTech Cares about our people and their wellbeing and today’s announcement further strengthens our commitment to supporting them through the more difficult times they may face in life. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and as their employer, it’s our goal to ensure they feel supported and cared for, so that they can reach their full potential.”
Rachael Quinlan, Head of Employee Experience, CluneTech said: “We are really honoured to share these remarkable improvements with our global team. While these leave types tend to be the ones that we hope our people will never have to avail of, we hope that they take some comfort in knowing that our aim is to minimise their worries during challenging times. As always, these changes have been introduced as a direct result of employee feedback and we will continue to use their voice to drive change and to ensure that we truly are a great place to work.”

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech's Guide to Being an Amazing Manager

At CluneTech we are extremely passionate about the development of our people and understand the significance of the role a manager has to play in an employee’s development. With that in mind, we wanted to put together a useful guide that would empower and help our managerial staff to be the best manager that they can be. And who better to help us put together such a guide than our employees?

We asked our staff to nominate their manager and state three qualities that make them an Amazing Manager. The response was fantastic with 20 different managerial qualities being suggested. We then took the 6 most suggested qualities and expanded on them to create the ‘CluneTech Guide to Being an Amazing Manager’ which you can read below:

Top Managerial Qualities as Suggested by CluneTech Employees

 

6 of the Most Important Managerial Qualities

1) Supportive

The managerial quality that our people value most is being ‘Supportive’. A manager can be supportive in many ways, whether it is ensuring that their team are aware that they can come to them should they need help, or by displaying encouragement, helping them to realise their potential, and showing appreciation for a job well done. Emotional Intelligence is a vital characteristic of a supportive manager. Having the awareness to recognize when something is troubling a member of your team or if they are in danger of becoming burnt out or disengaged is vital. The likes of LinkedIn Learning and Udemy offer some great courses on Emotional Intelligence should you wish to learn more about this important soft skill.

 

2) Approachable

Our staff feel that being “Approachable” is the next most important characteristic for a manager. Approachability is imperative to forging a strong bond with your team. Having an approachable manager relaxes staff, allowing them to work to the best of their ability. Additionally, it increases their willingness to share new ideas as they know their manager is open to suggestions. Lacking in approachability will make it difficult to know what is going on with your team. Being approachable and building a good rapport with your team will encourage them to come to you with issues, updates, and information, more frequently, ensuring that you stay in the loop. This article by Forbes includes a great section on “How to Show Approachability”.

Our employees appreciate that open door policy!

3) Leading by Example

As a manager, your team are looking to you for guidance. By leading by example you are able to create a picture of what’s possible. Here are some ways you can effectively lead by example;

Take Responsibility –Show that you are not above taking responsibility for when something doesn’t go to plan. Be proactive and get to work on correcting and bettering the situation.

Resolve Conflict Quickly – Conflict resolution is one of the most important skills a manager can have. Demonstrate that skill and put out any fires within your team quickly so that they don’t get out of control. By doing this you will set a good example and encourage your team to be proactive and quickly settle disputes between themselves.

Be Persistent – Another trait of strong leadership is the ability to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Set an example for your team by dealing with issues in a proactive and constructive manner.

For more information on the benefit of Leading by Example and how to do it, check out this article by Indeed – 8 Ways to Lead by Example in the Workplace.

4) Reliable

Our employees also identified being “Reliable” as an important characteristic for a manager to possess. A manager in charge of a team must be dependable. This involves being accessible to your staff, completing tasks as promised, and assisting your team as needed. Reliability is essential for building trust as it affords your team greater peace of mind, ultimately allowing for stronger relationships to be built and greater results to be delivered. Check out this blog post by Great Place to Work on “The Crucial Role of Reliable and Trustworthy Managers During a Crisis”.

 

5) Motivating

There are a multitude of reasons as to why being a good motivator is essential when managing a team of people. Some of the advantages of a motivated team include; Increased Efficiency, Better Communication, Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover, Development of Leaders, and much more.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to suddenly become a Ted Talk caliber motivational speaker... Here are “9 Super Effective Ways to Motivate your Team” by Inc. to get your started.

 

6) Clear Communication

The last valuable managerial characteristic, as identified by CluneTech employees, that we’ll discuss here in detail is “Clear Communication”. Building effective communication skills as a manager provides significant short and long-term benefits for your company and team. For example, a good communicator may inspire your team to accomplish more with better results and fewer misunderstandings. Take a look at this piece by Professional Development covering “Communication Skills for Managers”.

The importance of being a good listener also must not be understated when it comes to communication. By being a good listener a manager can not only secure new insights, ideas, and perspectives that will help their team to grow, but also maintain harmony and motivation among team members and ensure that they are a great people manager.

 

So there you have it, six of the most important managerial qualities as suggested by our employees. CluneTech is all about brilliant people and innovative technology, with the dynamic between our management and non-management staff being crucial to our success.

Do you have the qualities necessary to lead a team of CluneTech employees? Or do you want to work under an amazing management team that will help you to realise your potential. Whatever stage of your career you’re at, CluneTech may have the role for you. Visit www.clunetech.com/careers and explore our amazing opportunities today.

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Celebrates World Kindness Day with Youth Art Showcase

On November 13, CluneTech’s Veliko Tarnovo office in Bulgaria proudly hosted the opening of an inspiring art exhibition titled We Believe in Kindness, created by 17 children and young people with disabilities from the Rainbow Day Centre. The event was held in celebration of World Kindness Day and highlights CluneTech’s ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful community initiatives.

The exhibition features 23 individual and group artworks created by young artists aged 10 to 27, using various artistic techniques such as watercolor, tempera, gouache, pastels, collage, and monotype. Each piece reflects the creativity, spirit, and individuality of the participants, offering a heartfelt glimpse into their world.

Organized in partnership with the Rainbow Day Centre for Children and Young People with Disabilities, the initiative is part of CluneTech’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program CluneTech Cares. With the dedication and support of the Centre’s team, who work daily to develop the children’s social and personal skills, the young creators not only receive care and encouragement but also the opportunity to express themselves and share their talents with the wider community.

At the opening event, the participants received certificates and gifts in recognition of their artistic contribution.

Svetlana Hadzhiyska, Director of the Rainbow Day Centre, shared:

“‘We Believe in Kindness’ is much more than an exhibition. It is an invitation to see, hear, and feel what often remains hidden - the inner world of children with disabilities, their abilities, strength, and faith. It proves that when kindness meets opportunity, inspiration is born.”

CluneTech's Veliko Tarnovo HR & Office Manager - Tsvetanka Ivanova, added:

“The theme ‘We Believe in Kindness’ was not chosen by chance. Every day, these young artists show that kindness, empathy, and friendship are part of their lives. They support each other, build genuine connections, and through their art, share an important message: ‘Our differences don’t divide us - they enrich and unite us.’”

The Rainbow Day Centre in Veliko Tarnovo has been providing essential social services for more than 17 years, supporting children and young people with physical and intellectual disabilities. The Centre offers daily care, therapy, and educational programs designed to develop independence, confidence, and social inclusion. With a capacity of 36 places, it has supported over 100 individuals since its establishment, remaining a trusted place of professionalism and compassion for local families.

The “We Believe in Kindness” exhibition is open to visitors at CluneTech’s office, located at 63A Nikola Gabrovski Blvd., Veliko Tarnovo, until 30 November, Monday through Friday, between 09:00 am and 4:30 pm.

As the exhibition continues to welcome visitors, it stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion, inclusion, and community support. CluneTech is honoured to share the remarkable talents of the Rainbow Day Centre’s young artists and remains committed to fostering opportunities that celebrate every individual’s potential.

November 17, 2025

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Benamic Unveils Workbloom: A New Era for Employee Recognition

Benamic, a CluneTech company and leading promotional marketing agency, has announced the launch of an innovative new HR recognition platform, Workbloom, along with the expansion of its international team.

Benamic is part of the CluneTech Group, a suite of software technology companies providing cutting-edge solutions that simplify global business. Established in 1996 by entrepreneur Terry Clune., CluneTech has evolved from a tax services business into a network of market-leading technology brands that help companies manage global payments, compliance, and workforce operations more efficiently. The group includes internationally recognised brands such as TransferMate, Fintua, Sprintax, and more, all united by a mission to simplify global business through innovative technology.

Designed specifically for HR teams, Workbloom streamlines employee recognition by bringing everything together in one place. With customisable reward options, centralised recognition tools, and actionable real-time insights, the platform helps businesses strengthen engagement and retention while keeping processes simple and scalable.

“Too often, great work goes unnoticed - especially in hybrid or remote environments.” said Julian Morrison, CEO at Benamic and Workbloom. “Workbloom solves this by centralising recognition, celebrating achievements, and delivering real-time insights so organisations can proactively celebrate their people.”

By empowering managers to recognise achievements from the ground up, Workbloom encourages a culture of appreciation that feels authentic and personal.

“We’re empowering manager-led recognition from the ground up, offering personalised, meaningful rewards that truly resonate - whether it’s vouchers, prepaid cards -backed by real-time analytics.”

The platform’s flexibility ensures it can adapt to organisations of all sizes and across multiple regions.

“Our mission is to make employee recognition simple, strategic, and scalable, helping HR teams build lasting cultures of appreciation without complexity.” Morrison says, “With multi-currency support, Workbloom adapts effortlessly to your existing HR ecosystem and your global workforce - making recognition both efficient and inclusive.”

With Workbloom, Benamic continues to evolve its expertise in employee engagement and promotional innovation, providing HR professionals with the tools they need to build stronger, more connected workplaces.

October 28, 2025

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5 Years at Sprintax- Interview with Silvia Todorova

At CluneTech,we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Program that rewards employees thatchoose to build a long and successful career with us. As part of thisprogramme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching majormilestones with the company.

This month we caught up with Sprintax's QA analyst Silvia Todorova who has been a part of the team for the last 5 years.


What is your favourite thing about working in CluneTech / Sprintax?

One of my favorite things about working here is the incredible team. Everyone is collaborative and supportive. I also really appreciate the option to work from home and have flexible hours, which helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance and stay motivated and productive, both personally and professionally.

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight sincejoining CluneTech / Sprintax?

My biggest achievement since joining the company has been my professional growth. When I started, I had no experience in this field, and now to be in a senior role after just five years is something I'm really proud of. The support and trust from my colleagues have been crucial in helping me take on new challenges and continue growing in my career.


What is the biggest change that you have witnessed inyour time here?

The biggest change I’ve witnessed during my time here has been the evolution of the company’s benefits, especially when it comes to flexibility and work-life balance. These employee-focused changes have made a huge difference, providing additional support for personal well-being.


What is the greatest challenge that you have faced inyour time here and how did you overcome it?

As a results- and performance-oriented person, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing my impatience when projects depend on others. I’m driven to move quickly and deliver high-quality outcomes, but I’ve learned that collaboration often requires more patience.


What has been your favourite project to work on?

I really enjoy working on tasks or projects that are outside the ordinary and push me to think differently. It's rewarding to take on new challenges and see the results of my work make a positive impact.

Do you have advice for someone who is just starting theircareer in CluneTech / Sprintax?

My advice would be to stay proactive, ask questions and seek feedback as you go. Be open to learning and adapting along the way. Growth comes from both taking initiative and being flexible.

October 21, 2025

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Double Win for CluneTech and WeCan at the 2025 HR Leadership & Management Awards

Friday, 17 October 2025. Kilkenny-headquartered software technology group, CluneTech, is celebrating a double win at the 2025 HR Leadership & Management Awards, held last night at the Crowne Plaza, Dublin.

Now in its eleventh year, the HR Leadership & Management Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in HR, recognising the vital role the profession plays in driving business success and shaping Ireland’s economic future. The event brings together hundreds of HR and business leaders from across the country to honour organisations that are redefining the employee experience.

CluneTech was awarded the Best Workplace Award, recognising the company’s exceptional commitment to creating a culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive. Through continuous listening, flexibility and a strong focus on wellbeing, CluneTech has built a workplace that celebrates collaboration and innovation under its #OneTeam ethos.

Meanwhile, WeCan, a not-for-profit initiative by CluneTech that creates meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, was awarded Best Use of CSR in HR. Recognised for its innovative approach to inclusion and sustainability, WeCan provides paid and purposeful work that supports local businesses and environmental goals, while empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to their communities.


Commenting on the wins, Terry Clune, CluneTech CEO and Founder, said:


“We are absolutely delighted to have won both the Best Workplace Award and to see WeCan recognised for Best Use of CSR in HR at this year’s HR Leadership & Management Awards. On behalf of myself and the leadership team, I’d like to express our gratitude to our incredible people who make CluneTech such a great place to work.

The Best Workplace Award is a huge honour and a reflection of the positive, collaborative culture our teams have built together. I’m also especially proud of WeCan, which started as a small idea and has grown into something that’s making a real impact in our community. This recognition is testament to the compassion, innovation and teamwork that define our #OneTeam.”


Adding to this, Michelle Gaffney, Head of Group HR, said:


“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised at the HR Leadership & Management Awards. Being named Best Workplace and seeing WeCan honoured for Best Use of CSR in HR is a wonderful reflection of our people-first approach. These achievements highlight the ongoing commitment of our HR and leadership teams to foster an inclusive, flexible, and purpose-driven culture where everyone can thrive. It’s inspiring to see our collective efforts in engagement, wellbeing, and community impact recognised on a national stage.”


Reflecting on the achievement, Kaylyn Burke, People and Culture Partner at CluneTech, said:

“This recognition means so much because it reflects the heart of who we are - a team built on respect, driven by innovation, fuelled by passion, and united as one. Every person in our organisation plays a part in making this a truly special place to work.”

This double success marks another milestone for CluneTech, reinforcing its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading employers and a company where innovation, inclusion and collaboration thrive.

About WeCan

WeCan is a not-for-profit initiative that creates meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to contribute to their communities while positively impacting the environment

About CluneTech

CluneTech is a suite of software technology companies providing cutting-edge solutions that simplify global business. Our technology streamlines business processes such as digital sales, global payroll, tax compliance, global VAT & cross-border payments, making business better for our customers worldwide.

Established in 1996 by entrepreneur Terry Clune, CluneTech is headquartered in Ireland with a footprint across four continents and does business in more than 100 countries on a daily basis. The group has offices in 21 countries, and over 1,200 employees globally.

CluneTech has been recognised as one of Ireland’s best workplaces for ten consecutive years by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture.

For more information, contact:

Lauren Cleere

Marketing and Communications Manager, CluneTech

Email: lauren.cleere@clunetech.com

October 17, 2025

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CluneTech Cares Third Quarter Recap

Our CSR Programme - CluneTech Cares, is a fantastic representation of what we are - a team of truly caring individuals giving our best to support and add value, not only to our customers, but also to the communities in which we operate. CluneTech Cares is employee-led and has three key pillars: Wellness, Culture & Community, and Sustainability. It has been a busy quarter so make sure to check out some of our latest activities below

July CSR Spotlight: Supporting Children’s Health Charities

This July, our teams proudly continued their long-standing support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides a home away from home for families whose children are receiving medical care. In the lead-up to the All-Ireland hurling and football finals, our Kilkenny HQ came alive with county colours as employees wore their jerseys to raise vital funds for the charity.

Several of our colleagues also used their CluneTech CSR Volunteer Day to take part in the Cooking for Families programme at Ronald McDonald House Ireland. Together, they prepared and served comforting home-cooked meals for the families staying there, offering warmth and care during a difficult time.

Thank you to everyone at CluneTech for their participation helping raise funds for such an incredible cause!

August CSR Spotlight: Supporting Animal Welfare

In August, our focus turned to animal welfare, supporting the important work of the Kilkenny SPCA (KSPCA). This local charity plays a vital role in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals across the region.

To raise funds and awareness for this great cause, our colleagues at Kilkenny HQ took part in a 5K run and walk, coming together in the spirit of teamwork and community to support the KSPCA’s ongoing efforts. Participants were also encouraged to wear something that celebrates animals, such as paw print socks, animal-themed accessories or t-shirts, adding a light-hearted and creative touch to the day.

The event was filled with an amazing energy, reflecting our people’s enthusiasm and compassion for supporting a cause that truly makes a difference.

September CSR Spotlight: World Suicide Prevention Day

This September, our Kilkenny HQ came together for our first-ever Spinathon in support of World Suicide Prevention Day. The event united teams from across CluneTech to cycle in solidarity, raising both awareness and vital funds for suicide prevention initiatives.

For every participant who took part, CluneTech made a donation to the Samaritans, helping to further their invaluable work in supporting mental health and saving lives. Throughout the day, colleagues took turns on the exercise bikes, cheered each other on and kept the wheels turning for a cause that means so much to many of us.

The enthusiasm across the office captured what makes our culture so special. With huge thanks to JP Treacy and Patric Fitness Studio for providing the equipment and leading our pre-spin stretches, the day was a perfect blend of fun, fitness and purpose.

Click the image above to watch our spinathon highlights video


I Believe and Help 2025

This year, CluneTech continued its long-standing partnership with the inspiring “I Believe and Help” initiative in Varna, Bulgaria. Now in its 13th edition, the campaign combines environmental action with a life-saving cause by collecting and recycling plastic caps to fund the purchase of vital medical equipment for hospitals across the country.

Over the past six months, our Varna team collected nearly 15 kg of plastic caps at our office collection points, contributing to a nationwide effort that promotes recycling, raises awareness and supports local communities. Through this initiative, CluneTech donates close to 50 kg of plastic caps every year, a small action that makes a big difference.

Since its launch in 2015, “I Believe and Help” has made a remarkable impact, providing more than 25 pieces of medical equipment, two neonatal ambulances and three mobile blood donation vehicles. We are proud to play a part in this meaningful campaign, which reflects our commitment to sustainability, community and positive social change.

Watch here to see our CluneTech team in action supporting the I Believe and Help initiative.


Cork Women’s Mini Marathon with Annmarie Heffernan

This past month, Annmarie Heffernan, Global Talent Acquisition Specialist at TransferMate, and her family took part in the Cork Women’s Mini Marathon in support of the Irish Haemophilia Society, an organisation that represents individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders, including her young nephew MJ, who lives with Haemophilia B.

Thanks to the support of CluneTech Cares, a donation was made to Annmarie’s fundraiser, helping to advance life-changing research and provide vital services for those living with bleeding conditions.

Annmarie’s reflection beautifully captured the heart of what CluneTech Cares stands for:

“Knowing that my employer is willing to step in and champion something so meaningful to me personally is a reminder that I’m part of more than just a workplace, I’m part of a community that cares.”


Kilkenny Stars Soar to Division One

Excitement is building for the Kilkenny Stars Basketball Club, proudly supported by CluneTech, as they prepare for their first season in the Domino’s Women’s Division One National Basketball League.

This promotion marks a huge milestone for the club and for women’s basketball in Kilkenny, an incredible achievement for such a young and ambitious squad.

We could not be prouder to support this inspiring group of athletes as they continue to break boundaries and make history for Kilkenny basketball. Watch this space!


Strengthening Support for Karin Dom in Bulgaria

In September, two therapists from the Rainbow Day Centre in Veliko Tarnovo, who work with children with special educational needs, received financial support from CluneTech to attend a masterclass at Karin Dom in Varna. The training, focused on observing and assessing communication in children with multiple disabilities, also covered strategies for developing effective team and therapeutic centre work plans.

CluneTech is a proud donor and long-term partner of both the Duga Day Centre and Karin Dom, a modern centre in Northeastern Bulgaria dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs.

This is not the first time CluneTech has invested in the training and development of our CSR partners. In 2019 and 2021, we also supported professional supervision sessions for Karin Dom’s teams, continuing our commitment to strengthening the skills and capacity of those making a real difference in their communities.

Volunteering at CluneTech

Introduced in 2021, our CSR Volunteer Day empowers each employee to give back to the charities and causes closest to them. Since the inception of Volunteer Day, 160+ CluneTech employees have contributed to causes which they find meaningful, and this number keeps growing. See what they had to share with us about their experience this quarter:

Supporting St John’s School at the Schools Cross Country Event

Our amazing colleague Linda Mooney, Customer Service Team TL at TransferMate, used her volunteer day to support St John’s School in Kilkenny during the Schools Cross Country event at Castle Park.

Linda shared:

“Thanks to my volunteer day, I was able to take a morning off and help St John’s School bring a group of students down to Castle Park for the Schools Cross Country. The kids have been training every morning before school for this, so it was great to be able to help out and see how much fun they had and reap the rewards of all their training. We had no walkers or kids pulling out – they all gave it their best and did brilliantly.”

Well done to Linda for using her volunteer day to make a difference and for helping the students at St John’s have such a rewarding and memorable day.

October 16, 2025

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CluneTech Founder Terry Clune Receives Outstanding Achievement Award at National Fintech Awards 2025

10 October 2025, Dublin, Ireland. CluneTech Founder and CEO Terry Clune has been honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the National Fintech Awards 2025, held in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday evening, 09 October.

The inaugural National Fintech Awards were established to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the entire Irish Fintech industry, recognising those who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and growth in this dynamic and constantly evolving sector.

The recognition follows a very successful period for the Irish entrepreneur, which saw CluneTech company Immedis, a leading global payroll platform, acquired by UKG in for €575M, in one of Ireland’s largest tech deals of 2023.

Mr Clune is the Founder and CEO of CluneTech, a suite of technology companies that includes TransferMate, the world’s leading B2B payments infrastructure-as-a-service provider. Under the leadership of Mr Clune, TransferMate achieved unicorn status last year with a $1 billion valuation following a $70 million funding round, joining an elite group of just seven Irish tech unicorns to date.

Several CluneTech companies, including TransferMate, Fintua (formerly Taxback International) and Sprintax, were also nominated on the night, reflecting the group’s ongoing impact and innovation across the fintech sector.

Since 1996, he has grown CluneTech into a group of fintech companies with industry-leading solutions and global reach, specialising in streamlining processes such as cross-border payments, tax compliance, global VAT, payroll and digital sales. From its Irish headquarters, he and his team have built the business from the ground up into a global leader in fintech, with offices in 21 countries and a footprint across four continents.

Commenting on the recognition, Terry Clune, CEO and Founder of CluneTech, said:

“It is a real honour to receive this award. This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people I have had the privilege to work with and our shared commitment to innovation and growth. At CluneTech, we have always focused on creating technology that delivers real impact. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and excited for the continued evolution of Ireland’s fintech sector.”

Mr Clune concluded by acknowledging the dedication of his leadership team and colleagues across CluneTech, highlighting their shared drive to innovate, collaborate and continue shaping the future of global fintech.

October 10, 2025

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