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CluneTech is celebrating a major milestone - 25 years since opening its first international office in Varna, Bulgaria, marking the beginning of its global journey.

What started as a small team in Varna in 2001 has grown into one of CluneTech’s largest and most important global hubs. Today, the company operates across 20 countries, continuing to expand its international footprint.

To mark the occasion, CluneTech hosted a special celebration in Varna, bringing colleagues together to recognise the local team and honour those who have been part of the journey since the very beginning.

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Reflecting on the milestone, CluneTech Founder and CEO Terry Clune said:

“The 26th April marks 25 years since we established our office in Varna, Bulgaria — an incredibly important milestone for CluneTech. That step marked the beginning of our international journey and played a key role in shaping the global business we are today. I want to sincerely thank everyone, past and present, who has been part of that journey. Your contribution has played a key part in building CluneTech and the success we have achieved together as one team.”

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Today, CluneTech employs nearly 800 people across Bulgaria, with more than 500 based in Varna. The team plays a critical role across the group, supporting the operations and software development of TransferMate, Fintua, Sprintax and Benamic, alongside key functions including finance, customer support, marketing and administration. The strength of the Bulgarian team is also reflected in its longevity, with more than 54% of employees having been with the company for over five years - well above industry averages.

Just days ahead of the anniversary, CluneTech reached another significant milestone, achieving its highest-ever ranking in Career Show’s Top 100 Best Employers in Bulgaria, placing 12th - up from 46th in 2023. The company was also recognised as “Best Employer in Fintech” for the third consecutive year.

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As CluneTech looks to the future, it remains committed to investing in its people, supporting employee wellbeing and development, and continuing to make a positive impact in the communities where it operates.

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Wednesday, 22 April 2026. CluneTech has reached a new milestone in Bulgaria, achieving its highest position to date in the Career Show Index. The company now ranks 12th in the Top 100 Best Employers in Bulgaria, reflecting its continued focus on building a strong and supportive workplace.

This latest recognition marks another step forward in CluneTech’s steady progression in recent years, moving from 46th place in 2023, to 26th in 2024, and 14th in 2025, before reaching its current position. The result follows a successful showing at the Career Show Awards in October 2025, where CluneTech received three gold awards, alongside two individual recognitions for Albena Pashova, Global Indirect Tax Recovery Manager and Nikolena Doncheva, Recruitment Specialist from our team.

CluneTech’s position in the Career Show Index is driven by multiple recognitions received over the past three years, including:

• Best Employer in Fintech for three consecutive years  

• Best Employee Recognition Strategy  

• Best Office Environment for the company’s renovated Lounge & Meeting Space in Bulgaria  

These awards reflect a continued investment in employee experience, workplace culture, and creating an environment where people can thrive - both professionally and personally.

About the Career Show Index

The Top 100 Best Employers in Bulgaria ranking is part of Career Show’s annual initiative, which also includes one of the country’s leading employer branding competitions and its largest career expo. The index evaluates companies based on awards received over a three-year period, recognising organisations that demonstrate consistent performance in areas such as talent development, employee engagement, and workplace environment.

A 25-Year Journey in Bulgaria and Beyond

This recognition comes as CluneTech marks 25 years since establishing its presence in Bulgaria, representing a quarter-century of continuous growth and innovation. Over that time, the company has become a well-established and trusted employer on the local market.

Founded in 1996 by entrepreneur Terry Clune, CluneTech is a suite of software technology companies, including TransferMate, Sprintax, Fintua, and Benamic. Today, the organisation employs over 800 professionals in Bulgaria and more than 1,200 globally, across finance, technology, marketing, and customer support roles, all contributing to the success of its international operations.

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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 28^th. 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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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

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On Thursday, February 5th, CluneTech was delighted to welcome the Ambassador of Ireland to Bulgaria, Catherine Bannon, and her team to our Varna office. The visit marked Ambassador Bannon’s first official engagement in Varna since assuming her role and created a valuable opportunity for open and meaningful conversation with colleagues from across CluneTech.

The meeting took place in the context of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union (1 July – 31 December 2026) and highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between Irish institutions and Irish-founded businesses operating in Bulgaria.

During the visit, the Irish Embassy team learned more about the businesses across CluneTech and the work being done in different areas, including operations, technology, product, and regional growth. Discussions focused on opportunities to further expand Irish investment in Bulgaria, as well as on the role companies like CluneTech play in driving sustainable business growth and creating positive, supportive working environments in both Varna and the wider country.

Ambassador Bannon met with CluneTech managers representing businesses across the group, including Ekaterina Hristova, HR Manager for Bulgaria; Encho Yordanov, Business Operations Manager at Sprintax; Sasha Boyanova, Tech Manager at TransferMate Global Payments; Vesselina Marinova, Head of Operations and Senior Product Manager at Fintua; and Daniela Atanasova, Senior Operations Manager at Benamic.

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The visit reinforced the value of ongoing collaboration, and CluneTech looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships with the Irish Embassy and its technology and operations teams here in Bulgaria.

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Thursday, 25th September, 2025. WeCan, an initiative by CluneTech, has been awarded Community Programme of the Year at the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday, September 24th.
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This honour represents a proud milestone for CluneTech and shines a national spotlight on WeCan’s mission to blend social inclusion with environmental responsibility. Since its launch in March 2024, the initiative has created meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. By leveraging Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, it has also made a significant environmental impact, collecting over 374,000 bottles and cans, diverting 830kg of waste each week, and saving 8,300kg of CO₂
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Commenting on the award, Terry Clune, CEO and Founder of CluneTech, said:

“Being awarded Community Programme of the Year at the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the positive impact of WeCan. Since its launch, the initiative has not only helped protect the environment but has also empowered adults with intellectual disabilities to gain meaningful employment. I want to sincerely thank our team, our exclusive partners at SOS Kilkenny, and the many businesses who have supported WeCan. I am excited about WeCan’s potential to grow and create even more opportunities for our communities in the years ahead.”

John McCarthy, WeCan Project Lead, added:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award for Best Community Programme. At its core, WeCan is about people. It is about using the Deposit Return Scheme not only to recycle bottles and cans but to create opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to grow in confidence, independence and connection. We see this every day in participants like Adam, Jamie and Ross whose pride and friendships have flourished since joining. This award belongs to them, to our community and to everyone who has supported WeCan.”

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards are Ireland’s foremost celebration of CSR and sustainability, recognising companies that demonstrate leadership in creating positive change across community, workplace, marketplace, and environment. CluneTech’s success in the Community Programme category highlights the impact of WeCan in fostering inclusion while driving climate action.
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Since its launch, WeCan has also won the Pakman Award for Best Deposit Return Scheme Initiative, chosen ahead of leading industry names such as Coca-Cola and Lidl, and was invited by Re-Turn to present at Bord Bia Bloom, where it featured on the Sustainability Stage as an example of how the Deposit Return Scheme can deliver both environmental and social impact.
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WeCan works closely with the Work4Life Employment Support team from SOS Kilkenny CLG, a not-for-profit organisation supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. This collaboration ensures participants are supported in their workplace journey, reflecting CluneTech’s commitment to building a more inclusive society while protecting the environment.
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About the Sustainable Business Impact Awards
The Sustainable Business Impact Awards, organised annually by Chambers Ireland, are Ireland’s leading awards for sustainable development and CSR. The Awards recognise the meaningful and high-quality work by companies through different award categories, including Environment, Charity, Volunteering, Community, Workplace, and Communication, Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Sized Business, and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.
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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
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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. The group encompasses TransferMate, Fintua, Sprintax, Benamic, among others. Immedis, a leading global payroll platform, was acquired by UKG in June 2023, in one of Ireland’s largest technology deals.

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.
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For more information, please contact:
Lauren Cleere, Marketing and Communications Manager, CluneTech

Lauren.Cleere@clunetech.com

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Kilkenny, Ireland – Taxback International, a CluneTech company and a global leader in VAT compliance and recovery, has today officially rebranded as Fintua. This transformation reflects the seamless integration of decades of indirect tax expertise with cutting-edge SaaS technology, setting a new benchmark for digital innovation within the fintech landscape. Through this rebrand, the company reaffirms its dedication to delivering smarter, more scalable fintech solutions designed to accelerate positive digital transformation across the indirect tax ecosystem. 

Why the change? 

Fintua embodies the natural evolution of Taxback International—from a VAT reclaim specialist to a global technology leader within the wider fintech industry. As indirect tax complexity intensifies, businesses demand more agile and intelligent solutions. This rebrand signals our commitment to empowering tax and finance professionals worldwide with innovative technology that simplifies complexity, mitigates risk, and revolutionizes tax management. 

The name “Fintua” uniquely combines our fintech expertise with a strong connection to our Irish roots. “Fin” highlights our focus on financial technology, while “Tua,” inspired by the Irish word tuath (meaning people or community), underscores our collaborative, client-centric ethos. 

A new chapter of innovation 

Rebranding as Fintua is far more than a name change—it is a declaration of our vision and ambition. We remain the trusted partner our clients have relied on, now with an intensified focus on developing intuitive, expertly engineered technology designed to address today’s and tomorrow’s tax challenges. 

"As we embark on this exciting journey to become Fintua, I am thrilled to see our company evolve into a brand that truly reflects our innovative spirit and commitment to tax technology," said Catherine Quirke, CEO of Fintua. "This rebranding marks a significant milestone in our growth, and identifies with our ability and commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers." 

Fintua’s vision is to lead in breakthrough technology that drives positive digital change throughout the indirect tax and wider fintech communities. Our core values—empowering, progressive, collaborative, and perceptive—will continue to guide every solution we create. 
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“The rebrand of Taxback International to Fintua is a proud moment for all of us at CluneTech. It’s a reflection of how far the business has come since its early days in Kilkenny—growing from a VAT reclaim specialist into a global technology leader in tax and fintech. For me, Fintua stands for innovation, ambition, and the power of a great team working together to solve complex challenges for businesses worldwide. I’m excited to see Fintua lead the way into this new era, continuing our tradition of empowering clients and driving positive change across the industry.” - Terry Clune, CEO and Founder of CluneTech. 

To celebrate this milestone, Fintua is hosting launch day events at its Kilkenny headquarters and across global offices, bringing employees together to mark this exciting new chapter. 
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For more details about the rebrand, launch events, and services, please visit www.fintua.com.

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Following the recent 25th anniversary celebrations of CluneTech’s Varna office, our Benamic team continued the momentum with a two-day Sales Culture Organisation training held on 28–29 April in Varna, Bulgaria.

Bringing together more than 50 colleagues from across the organisation, the initiative reflects Benamic’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration, enhancing customer experience, and embedding a unified, customer-first mindset across all teams.

The training, delivered by Pavel Panov, PhD, from In Your Hands, centred around a dynamic business simulation designed to mirror real-world organisational challenges. Through highly interactive sessions, participants explored how decision-making, communication, and internal alignment directly influence the customer journey.

Teams from Web Development, Customer Service, Client Success, Sales, and Project Management took part across the two days, with the programme also welcoming international colleagues, including participants from Ireland. This cross-functional and cross-border approach reinforced the importance of shared accountability in delivering consistent value to customers.

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A central theme throughout the training was clear: every team plays a role in shaping the customer experience. Whether client-facing or operating behind the scenes, the way teams collaborate internally has a direct and measurable impact on external outcomes.

Through a series of practical exercises and guided reflections, participants were encouraged to challenge existing ways of working, identify areas for improvement, and adopt a more commercially aware and customer-oriented perspective.

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As Julian Morrison, CEO of Benamic, shared:

“This was a focused reset on how we approach sales - not just as a function, but as a culture built on trust, clarity and consistently delivering on our commitments.

What stood out was the level of engagement across the team and a clear, shared intent to become a more customer-oriented business. There’s a strong willingness to challenge how we work today and raise the bar on how we deliver value to our customers.”

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The training marked an important step in Benamic’s journey towards building a stronger, more aligned organisation - one where sales is not confined to a single function, but embedded in the mindset and actions of every team.

With strong engagement, practical insights, and a clear focus on application, the initiative sets the foundation for continued progress. The next step is clear: to translate these learnings into everyday practice and further elevate the standard of delivery across the business.

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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 TransferMate's Philip Traynor, Senior Business Development Manager, who has been on our team for the last 5 years.
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What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech / TransferMate

I know it’s a cliché and it’s been said before, but it’s 100% the people. I’ve met some awesome people here. Some have moved on and some are still here, but they most certainly make the role interesting, to say the least. You meet so many different types of characters in sales that it’s bound to make life more intriguing.

Also, the fact that we are very innovative. Some of the new products we’ve introduced over the last few years really help us stand apart from the competition.
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What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech / TransferMate?

I’d say reaching the 5-year mark in Higher Ed is a highlight 😊 But probably being part of the signing of our largest client to date in Education, UBC.
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Who or what has inspired you the most during your time here?

I feel a lot of inspiration comes from within yourself, though I’ve also learned a lot from the people around me here. To be truly inspired, I feel you must discover what you want to achieve from a certain goal and then go and get it.
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What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?

The enormity of the company! 😊 From when I started 5 years ago until now – the number of clients we have brought on board, the new products brought to market, and the sheer volume of funds that we have seen growing and growing has been amazing.
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What is the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?

It was probably more of a personal challenge when my mother passed away. I had been working here less than a year when we got the bad news. What made it slightly easier was the fact that my Commercial Director and Team Lead at the time both arrived unexpectedly at the funeral, which in turn made my return to work a lot easier. That is something I will always remember.
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What has been your favourite project to work on?

My favourite and biggest has to be UBC – from the team of people working on this on both the TM side and the UBC side, to the learnings I had over that 3-year period, which will always stand me in good stead in the future.
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Do you have advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech / TransferMate?

Just enjoy it – learn the product and believe in yourself. Work hard and your efforts will be recognised. It will be noticed and you will get to where you want to go within TransferMate if you follow those simple tips.

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At CluneTech, continuous learning is at the heart of our culture. In 2025, CluneTech’s subsidiary Fintua launched the Fintua Tax Academy, a comprehensive training programme designed to equip colleagues with deep knowledge of EU VAT, practical skills, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges in their daily work.

The goal of Fintua was to create an internal training series that goes beyond theory. While external courses exist, developing an in-house programme allows the content to be tailored to real-life scenarios and business-specific challenges, ensuring every session is directly relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.

“Our aim was to show that behind the Excel tables and daily routines, there is so much more to understand and appreciate. Participating in this type of training reshapes the way colleagues think about their work, the value they create, and how they collaborate across teams,” explains Péter Árpás, the main driver of the programme.

From April to October 2025, the Academy hosted seven sessions - two in-person and five online, covering the EU VAT system, legal background and EU Court decisions, and practical examples from advisory experience. The series concluded with a final exam in late November, consisting of more than 60 questions. Out of 70 participants from Bulgaria, Ireland, and Hungary, 40 successfully participated in and passed an exam, with 21 achieving results above 80%.

A graduation ceremony in Varna this February marked the successful completion of the exam, with top performers recognized for their exceptional achievement.

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Building on the success of the first year, Fintua is already preparing its 2026 programme. The next edition will be even more practical, featuring new lecturers and an open invitation for anyone who wants to participate, regardless of previous involvement.

Beyond its global reach and automated, highly integrated platform offering a full suite of indirect tax solutions, Fintua’s VAT Academy adds one more key advantage: the deep VAT expertise of its long-term professionals, handling complex VAT cases for clients such as Nestlé, Google, IBM, Mondelez, and many others.

The Fintua Tax Academy demonstrates CluneTech’s commitment to investing in our people. Beyond providing essential knowledge, it fosters professional curiosity, strengthens collaboration across teams, and empowers colleagues to step into advanced roles.

At CluneTech, growth is a team effort, and initiatives like the Fintua Tax Academy ensure that every colleague has the tools and confidence to progress their development.  

Fintua are currently hiring in various roles across our global teams in Tech and Finance. See their current vacancies at https://fintua.com/careers/.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In the latest episode of CluneTech’s Career Blitz Series, we sat down with Ventsislav Dinev, who shared his inspiring career progression within CluneTech’s Sprintax Team.

Ventsi began his journey at Sprintax as a Project Manager, where he quickly developed a strong interest in user experience and design. Motivated by curiosity and a desire to grow, he set his sights on transitioning into the UX team, and took deliberate, strategic steps to make it happen.

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A purposeful career transition

During the conversation, Ventsi reflects on how he prepared for the move into UX, highlighting the importance of proactive learning, building relevant skills, and seeking opportunities to apply them in real projects. Rather than waiting for the “perfect moment,” he focused on creating his own path within the company.

He also shares the experiences that helped him stand out during the transition, from cross-functional collaboration to hands-on involvement in user-focused initiatives.

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Why he chose to grow within CluneTech

One of the key themes of Ventsi’s story is the value of internal growth. He speaks about why he chose to stay and develop his career within CluneTech, emphasizing the company’s supportive culture, openness to career mobility, and encouragement of personal development. According to Ventsi, having the space to explore different roles internally played a crucial role in his professional evolution.

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Advice for aspiring tech professionals

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Ventsi also offers practical advice for anyone looking to start or advance their career in tech:

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• Stay curious and continuously learn new skills

• Don’t wait for opportunities - actively look for ways to create them

• Build relationships across teams and disciplines

• Be open to stepping outside your current role

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A story of growth and initiative

Ventsi’s journey is a strong example of how dedication, curiosity, and initiative can open unexpected doors. His transition from Project Manager to UX is not just a career shift - it’s a reflection of what’s possible within a culture that supports internal mobility and growth.

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Watch Ventsi’s full story in this episode of Career Blitz to learn more about his journey and insights into building a meaningful career in tech.

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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 Fintua's Chief Financial Officer Edward Furlong who has been a part of the team for the last 15 years.

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

The people. In Fintua, we have a core of really good people that have been here a long time.

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

My appointment as Chief Financial Officer.

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

The dedication of our staff, in particular the Bulgarian based employees. The level of effort and automation they have brought into work practices over the past number of years has been remarkable.

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

The automation across lots of processes during my time here at Fintua.

I have also witnessed the growth in many of our businesses from the foundations of being mainly an income tax refunds business  which was very manual to being a key player in the Fintech space.

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

Covid completely changed the focus of our business. The majority of what we did prior to that was based around travel. This presented huge challenges from a budgeting and cashflow perspective.

In the same period Comply was also being developed.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

The rebrand project led by the marketing team was interesting to be involved in.

There are lots of elements of automation that we are working through at the moment so hard to choose a favourite.

If you had to swap roles with someone in the company for a week, who would it be and why?

Anywhere within the Sales function. I get lots of Sales phone calls so would be nice to be on the other side of the fence, for just a week!

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

Don’t be afraid of change and embrace new ways of doing things.

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WeCan, an initiative by CluneTech, is a not-for-profit that empowers adults with intellectual disabilities through meaningful employment that has a positive impact on the environment.

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How does it work?

Together with their colleagues, the project’s ambassadors will spend up to 15 hours per week visiting the supporters (businesses, hotels, pubs, cafes, leisure centres and more) to collect returnable cans and bottles. The ambassadors receive payment for the hours they’ve worked, and any excess funds generated through the initiative will be donated to various charities to further support our community and reinvested into the project to maximise its impact.

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WeCan ..

Provides adults with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment  

Drives participation in the deposit return scheme        

Offers businesses a sustainable and practical solution for returning their cansand bottles                                        

Actively plays a role in protecting our environment by reducing litter and waste                                                          

Advocates for an inclusive society    

Further benefits communities by donating any excess funds raised to localcharities and causes

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WeCan currently operates in the Kilkenny area and with a number of local businesses already on board, we are eager to grow this list even more.  If you’re interested in coming on board as a supporter, please email wecan@clunetech.com.

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Together, WeCan all work together to make the world a better, more inclusive, and more environmentally friendly place.

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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.

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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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This April, CluneTech has donated 4.5 tons of cement-based floor screed to the Center for Medical and Social Care for Children in Varna (Vinitsa District).

The donation will be used for the construction of a brand new ward for complex care for children with chronic diseases and impairments up to seven years old. The ward will include rooms where children experiencing severe and chronic health challenges with uncertain prognoses can stay with their parents. Additionally, it will incorporate facilities for rehabilitation, physiotherapy, medical manipulation rooms, and space for individual activities. This project will ensure our city has a modern medical ward that provides complex care and assists children with severe chronic diseases and their families in dealing not only with the physical pain resulting from their conditions but also the emotional suffering they endure.

Long after its founding in 1953, the Center for Medical and Social Care in Varna only provided care to children aged 0 to 3. However, at this stage, the center boasts a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, physiotherapists, doctors, nurses, and speech therapists who provide comprehensive support to a wide group of children, ranging from premature babies to those up to eighteen years old. Many of these children have severe chronic, neurological, or genetic conditions, necessitating 24/7 medical supervision.

A long-time partner of CluneTech Cares, the medical centre in Vinitsa is the largest facility of its kind in the Northeast of Bulgaria, providing medical care and rehabilitation to premature babies and children with neurological and orthopedic problems. With donations of over €12,000 which we have made throughout the years, we have helped the centre to purchase important equipment such as hospital beds, therapeutic chairs, baby monitoring devices, two air conditioning units, a portable oxygen concentrator, a neonatal pulse oximeter, a patient monitoring system and more.

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Friday 19 April, 2024 Kilkenny. Kilkenny-based software technology group, CluneTech, has been announced as the main sponsor of Kilkenny Tennis Club’s new Padel Tennis Court, which was completed in March 2024. The official opening event, which is due to take place this Saturday, April 20, will incorporate a Charity Tennis Tournament and social event, with all funds generated being donated to the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team.

Founded in 1879, Kilkenny Tennis Club is a not-for-profit club with all funds generated being reinvested in their tennis facilities and the development of the game. With over 1,200members, split into 700 seniors and 500 juniors, it is one of the largest and best regional tennis clubs in Ireland. It is a very active club with high grade facilities and always welcomes new members and visitors.

“Our club is very proud of our many achievements with our members winning numerous regional and national titles, our representative teams winning many Provincial Cups and a number of members having represented Ireland at international level.” Brian Doyle, President, Kilkenny Tennis Club

This sponsorship is part of CluneTech’s award-winning CSR Programme, CluneTech Cares. Established in 2007, CluneTech Cares is created by their people, for their people, and while the programme supports deserving charities and causes all over the world, it is driven by employee requests and has a momentous impact locally, both in Kilkenny, and in the various other communities where the company operates. This significant investment will enable Kilkenny Tennis Club to be the first in the region to offer Padel Tennis, the world’s fastest-growing racket sport, to its members.

“We are delighted to sponsor Kilkenny Tennis Club’s new Padel court,” said Terry Clune, CEO and Founder of CluneTech. “As an organisation, we are passionate about giving back and we are proud to support a number of fantastic local clubs in Kilkenny where our HQ is located. I’d like to give a special mention and thanks to our own team members, Eoin Dunphy, Éanna Brady, James Murphy, Patrick Dalton and Patrick O’Neill, who are all dedicated members of Kilkenny Tennis Club. Without them, this sponsorship wouldn’t have been possible. Padel tennis is a new and innovate sport, and we are really excited to play a part in ensuring it has a home right here in Kilkenny.”

Padel Tennis is played on an enclosed court, one third the size of a traditional tennis court. Its format is doubles and it uses traditional tennis scoring, combining action with fun and social interaction. It’s a fantastic sport for players of all ages and skills, as it is both quick and easy to pick up, with most players understanding the basics within the first half hour of play.  

Edwin Walsh, Captain, Kilkenny Tennis Club, said: “Kilkenny Tennis Club was founded in 1879 at its current location in Archersfield, Kilkenny. As one of the largest tennis clubs in the country with 1,300 members, ranging in age from 2 to over 82, Kilkenny Tennis Club is constantly reinvesting in its facilities to enhance its members’ experience. On behalf of the Committee and members of Kilkenny Tennis Club, I would like to thank Terry and all the team at CluneTech for the incredibly generous sponsorship of our new Padel Court which is part of a wider redevelopment of playing surfaces and other facilities. We are immensely proud to be associated with such a progressive and innovative team and look forward to developing our partnership over the coming years.”

Jimmy Morrow, Development Chairman, Kilkenny Tennis Club, said: "We are delighted to have CluneTech join us as Sponsor of our new Padel Tennis Court and we very much value their significant investment in our club which enables us to greatly enhance our Sporting facilities with this innovative addition.”

In addition to the innovation this sport embodies, Kilkenny Tennis Club have also launched a green energy project, which to date has seen the installation of energy saving LED tennis flood lighting, reducing electricity consumption by over 44%; the installation of 36 Solar PV panels which allows the club to generate its own power, supplying any excess to the National Grid; air to water source heat pump which uses electricity generated from the club’s Solar PV system. The club’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact is just one of the reasons that CluneTech made the decision to support the club.

“At CluneTech, we always aim to support clubs, charities and causes whose values reflect our own,” said Rachael Quinlan, Head of Employee Experience, CluneTech. “Sustainability is one of the key pillars of our CSR Programme and we are super impressed at the club’s efforts to date. In addition, we recognise the importance of work-life balance and knowing that a number of our own team are also club members, made the decision to sponsor their new Padel Club a no brainer.”

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.

As part of our CSR Spotlight, we dedicated the month of March to celebrating World Autism Awareness. With this in mind, we are delighted to share an interview with John McCarthy, Facilities Manager, CluneTech, and his son Adam, who we consider an honorary CluneTech employee. For those who have had the pleasure of meeting Adam, they will be familiar with his bubbly and outgoing personality which brings so much joy to our HQ. Adam, who’s 27, has both autism and epilepsy, and was delighted to jump on camera and give us a unique insight into his life, his autism diagnosis and some of the many things he enjoys doing.

In Adam’s words, “Love will always come from the heart”.

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.

January’s CSR Spotlight: Supporting Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants

Throughout the month of January, we dedicated our CSR Spotlight to supporting Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrant charities and the incredible work they do providing assistance to families and single people from a migrant or refugee background in Ireland and abroad.

Our main beneficiaries of the month were both Doras and Nasc Ireland.

Doras is an independent organisation working to promote and protect the rights of people from a migrant background in Ireland while also providing specialised support to migrant and refugee victims who have experienced human trafficking, domestic abuse and hate crime. 

Nasc Ireland works with migrants and refugees to advocate and lead for change within Ireland’s immigration and protection systems, ensuring fairness, access to justice and the protection of human rights to all. Nasc's goal is to realise the rights of all migrants and refugees within Irish society. 

Across the globe, our team came together to raise vital funds for both of our beneficiaries. Thanks to the support our staff showed throughout January, CluneTech Cares has made a monetary donation to Doras and Nasc for the crucial work they do day-to-day for all Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants in Ireland.

From all here at CluneTech Cares, we want to thank our team for their incredible support and the difference they have made during the month of January.

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February’s CSR Spotlight: World Cancer Day

February marked the month that CluneTech took a stand against Cancer, dedicating our CSR Spotlight of the Month to World Cancer Day. All donations from fundraising initiatives throughout the month went towards our cancer support charities selected by our teams around the world. These charities and causes included Waterford Hospice in Ireland and Една от 8 in Bulgaria.

Waterford Hospice is a remarkable organization dedicated to providing end-of-life care, particularly to those battling cancer and giving incredible support and peace of mind to their loved ones. The profound impact of their work extends beyond the walls of the hospice, touching lives not only within our wider community, but of our teammates and their families over the last number of months.

By aligning our efforts with Waterford Hospice, we are not only contributing to the crucial mission of offering comfort and solace during life's most challenging moments but also acknowledging the impact it has on the lives of our colleagues.

Our second beneficiary for the month of February was Една от 8 in Bulgaria. Една от 8 | One in 8 was founded by Nana Gladwish in 2013. Nana is a famous TV host in Bulgaria and breast cancer survivor. The organisation works with healthcare professionals, state authorities, patient communities, and other stakeholders to improve the Bulgarian healthcare system for those diagnosed. 

The team strives for a better quality of life and outcomes for the patients they care for. Една от 8 | One in 8 is funded by company and community donations to support its existence and activities. Our team’s support during February was more important than ever, contributing to keep their amazing services running in Bulgaria.

Over the course of the month, an incredible 79 members of our team around the world took part in a walk / run / cycle in aid of Waterford Hospice in Ireland and Една от 8 in Bulgaria.

CluneTech Cares donated a total of €790 to our dedicated charities of the month. Well done to all of our amazing colleagues for their participation this month.

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March’s CSR Spotlight: World Autism Awareness

Each year, we launch our CSR request form where our staff can suggest the charity and causes they'd like to see us support throughout the year. Following their feedback, we dedicated March’s CSR Spotlight to World Autism Awareness.

The main beneficiaries of the month nominated by our team included ABACAS School Kilbarrack in Dublin, Gowran National School Autistic Unit in Kilkenny, and Autism Today in Bulgaria.

Autism is a neurological difference that many people are born with which affects how they experience the world around them and how they communicate with others. While autism awareness has greatly grown in Ireland and globally in recent years, we are still a long way from having a society which truly understands autism. 

During the month of March, not only were we delighted to make a monetary donation to all three charities and causes, but we also had the pleasure of interviewing John McCarthy, Facilities Manager, CluneTech, and his son Adam, who we consider an honorary CluneTech employee.

For those who have had the pleasure of meeting Adam, they will be familiar with his bubbly and outgoing personality which brings so much joy to our HQ. Adam, who’s 27, has both autism and epilepsy, and was delighted to jump on camera and give us a unique insight into his life, his autism diagnosis and some of the many things he enjoys doing.

In Adam’s words, “Love will always come from the heart”. A massive well done to all who took part in last months CSR Spotlight of the Month and a special thank you to John and Adam for a truly inspiring interview in celebration of World Autism Awareness.

You can catch the full interview here today.

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CluneTech Cares: Supporting Kilkenny Ladies Hockey Club

At CluneTech, we're passionate about giving back to our communities and we are proud to support a number of fantastic local clubs in Kilkenny where our HQ is located, one of those being the Kilkenny Hockey Club's Ladies' Team.

Paddy Dalton, Business Development Manager at TransferMate has been coaching for the club for over three years:

"I've been working with CluneTech for 10 years now and started as a coach with the hockey club back in 2021. I really enjoy coaching because of the buzz seeing the girls reach and exceed their goals. It gives me great satisfaction to see the group training, playing matches, and sticking to the structured game plan. We're delighted to have had CluneTech on board as sponsors for the last 3 years and it has enabled us to grow our women's section to 3 teams. We can now pride ourselves on being one of the biggest female adult sporting clubs in the county, providing hockey for all levels ages and abilities."

Thanks to the club for giving us the opportunity to get behind them and a huge well done to Paddy Dalton who not only goes above and beyond in his role with CluneTech, but within his local community too.

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CluneTech’s I.T Equipment Donation to St. John of God Primary School, Kilkenny

As part of our CSR Programme, CluneTech Cares, we were delighted to donate laptops to St. John of God Primary School.

Recognising the importance of technology in education, we have repurposed these devices to support the learning needs of students within our community.

This aligns with our dedication to sustainable practices, as we strive to effectively extend the life cycle of our technology resources while also supporting the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in their education.

A massive thank you to Norm Power for arranging this donation and to St. John of God's principal, Conor Gorey, and some of the school's pupils who visited CluneTech HQ to collect the donation.

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Martenitsi Charity Bazaars in Varna and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

On the 1st of March, our colleagues in Bulgaria celebrated Baba Marta, a Bulgarian holiday deeply rooted in folklore and culture, symbolising the arrival of spring and the wish for good health. 

To mark the holiday, our teams in Varna and Veliko Tarnovo organised annual charity bazaars in support of children with special needs. 

Thanks to our employees' contributions, a donation of 780 BGN was made to Karin Dom – a long-term CSR partner of CluneTech and one of Bulgaria’s most modern centres, providing a range of social, health, and educational services for children with special needs. 

Additionally, 600 BGN was donated for craft materials for the children at the Day Center for Disabilities ‘Daga’ in Veliko Tarnovo, ensuring that children and young people with disabilities receive rehabilitation and engaging activities that support their development and social integration.

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CluneTech Continues to Raise Awareness of Crucial Stroke Symptoms

'Fast Heroes 112' is a prevention program with one grand mission - to educate the world about the symptoms of stroke and the need for immediate action.

After the successful launch of the award-winning educational program in Varna last year, in 2024 we will continue our mission to raise awareness of stroke symptoms in another well-known school in Bulgaria’s sea capital – Foreign Language School Alexander S. Pushkin. The second edition of Fast Heroes 112 will take place from February to April involving 150 students from first to fourth grade who will share their knowledge about stroke symptoms and first aid with parents and grandparents.

Last May, 150 first graders from Geo Milev school were officially named Fast Heroes 112 ambassadors as they learned the symptoms of stroke and raised awareness of stroke prevention among their loved ones.

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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:

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Baba Marta at CluneTech

In preparation for this year’s Baba Marta celebrations, over ten colleagues in our Varna offices joined forces using their CSR volunteer day to hand-craft some martenitsi that were later sold at our in-house and other local charity markets in aid of children with special needs. A great tradition and a great use of their Volunteer Day as our colleagues managed to make 1,690 martenitsi in just one day!

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Daffodil Day 2024 with Claire McBride, Financial Services Account Manager at TransferMate

Speaking about her Volunteer Day, Claire said:

"Daffodil Day is a special day where we all unite to remember the loved ones we’ve lost to cancer, to honour the people in our lives who are facing cancer and to acknowledge the bravery of those that have fought and won their battle with cancer. I am very fortunate to work for a company that affords and encourages staff to use their volunteer day to get involved in fundraising activities of all kinds. I am proud to play my part today for the Irish Cancer Society."

Well done to Claire on her involvement in this incredible volunteering activity.

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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

January CSR Spotlight: Tackling Loneliness  

January can be a particularly challenging time, especially for older people and those experiencing loneliness.

During January, CluneTech was proud to support ALONE in Ireland and Caritas in Bulgaria. Two remarkable organisations dedicated to reducing isolation and providing essential support to vulnerable communities.

To help raise both awareness and funds, we organised CSR Walks in Kilkenny and Dublin in support of ALONE, while our teams in Bulgaria took part in walks for Caritas.

A sincere thank you to everyone who participated, shared their 5k walk screenshots, and helped highlight this often-overlooked issue. Your contributions are making a real and lasting impact.

February CSR Spotlight: World Cancer Day  

February offered a welcome opportunity for colleagues in the Kilkenny office to come together and mark Pancake Tuesday with a Pancake Bar.

This initiative not only provided an enjoyable occasion for staff to connect, but also supported the Irish Cancer Society, raising both funds and awareness for the essential services they deliver nationwide.

March Spotlight: Autism Awareness Day

This March, CluneTech proudly dedicated our CSR Spotlight to World Autism Awareness, supporting incredible charities that provide essential services to individuals and families affected by autism.

Autism is a neurological difference that shapes how people experience the world, and while awareness is growing, there’s still much work to be done in building a more understanding and inclusive society.

To raise awareness and funds, we hosted a lunchtime run/walk at our Kilkenny HQ on March 25th. Between employees and the TY students participating in the CSR walk, to people joining our Patric Fitness Class, the turnout was amazing in both our Kilkenny and Dublin HQ's! 👏

Thanks to our participation, we have made a monetary donation to our dedicated autism awareness charity going towards an amazing cause.

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Blood Donation Campaign in Varna  

On the 13th of March, 18 employees in Varna donated blood! In 2024, in Bulgaria, blood donation was recognized as a voluntary activity for which the company allows employees to use their company-paid volunteer day. This made organising our blood donation campaign only a matter of time and we couldn’t be prouder of the impact we’ve made together.  

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

 In Q1, 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 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.

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.”

CluneTech Celebrates Rising Stars at Kilkenny GAA and Camogie Academy Awards

 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 the U16 Kilkenny GAA hurling and football squads, alongside the U15 Kilkenny Camogie Academy and Development squads.

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.

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CluneTech Cares Backs Galmoy Juvenile Badminton Club

Based in North Kilkenny, Galmoy Juvenile Badminton Club has grown to a membership of 50 young players aged between 7 and 17, providing regular training opportunities and fostering a strong community spirit among young athletes from across the region.

Since affiliating with Badminton Ireland in 2023, the club has already enjoyed success at both school and county level, with several members selected for the U17 Kilkenny team competing in upcoming Leinster competitions.

This sponsorship forms part of CluneTech’s award-winning CSR programme, CluneTech Cares, which supports charities and community initiatives locally and internationally, with a strong impact across Kilkenny and the wider communities in which the company operates.

The new sponsorship will support the club as players represent Galmoy Juvenile Badminton Club in competitions throughout the season and we are absolutely delighted to support such an amazing organisation in our community.

Volunteering at CluneTech

Karin Dom Martenitsi Workshop

30 volunteers from the Varna office spent a  day crafting martenitsi, which later were sold at fundraising bazaars across Bulgaria, to raise funds for Karin Dom's therapeutic center and children's early development support programs. They raised over €200 for Karin Dom!  

John Murphy volunteering for Daffodil Day 2026

"Today, once again I used my CSR day to support the Irish Cancer Society on Daffodil Day. I think we all know someone in our life who has been affected by Cancer and who have reached out to the Irish Cancer Society for guidance or support. Grateful to be able to give back in a small way with thanks to CluneTech Cares."

John Murphy, Fintua

Well done, John, from all here at CluneTech.

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Following the recent 25th anniversary celebrations of CluneTech’s Varna office, our Benamic team continued the momentum with a two-day Sales Culture Organisation training held on 28–29 April in Varna, Bulgaria.

Bringing together more than 50 colleagues from across the organisation, the initiative reflects Benamic’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration, enhancing customer experience, and embedding a unified, customer-first mindset across all teams.

The training, delivered by Pavel Panov, PhD, from In Your Hands, centred around a dynamic business simulation designed to mirror real-world organisational challenges. Through highly interactive sessions, participants explored how decision-making, communication, and internal alignment directly influence the customer journey.

Teams from Web Development, Customer Service, Client Success, Sales, and Project Management took part across the two days, with the programme also welcoming international colleagues, including participants from Ireland. This cross-functional and cross-border approach reinforced the importance of shared accountability in delivering consistent value to customers.

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A central theme throughout the training was clear: every team plays a role in shaping the customer experience. Whether client-facing or operating behind the scenes, the way teams collaborate internally has a direct and measurable impact on external outcomes.

Through a series of practical exercises and guided reflections, participants were encouraged to challenge existing ways of working, identify areas for improvement, and adopt a more commercially aware and customer-oriented perspective.

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As Julian Morrison, CEO of Benamic, shared:

“This was a focused reset on how we approach sales - not just as a function, but as a culture built on trust, clarity and consistently delivering on our commitments.

What stood out was the level of engagement across the team and a clear, shared intent to become a more customer-oriented business. There’s a strong willingness to challenge how we work today and raise the bar on how we deliver value to our customers.”

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The training marked an important step in Benamic’s journey towards building a stronger, more aligned organisation - one where sales is not confined to a single function, but embedded in the mindset and actions of every team.

With strong engagement, practical insights, and a clear focus on application, the initiative sets the foundation for continued progress. The next step is clear: to translate these learnings into everyday practice and further elevate the standard of delivery across the business.

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CluneTech is celebrating a major milestone - 25 years since opening its first international office in Varna, Bulgaria, marking the beginning of its global journey.

What started as a small team in Varna in 2001 has grown into one of CluneTech’s largest and most important global hubs. Today, the company operates across 20 countries, continuing to expand its international footprint.

To mark the occasion, CluneTech hosted a special celebration in Varna, bringing colleagues together to recognise the local team and honour those who have been part of the journey since the very beginning.

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Reflecting on the milestone, CluneTech Founder and CEO Terry Clune said:

“The 26th April marks 25 years since we established our office in Varna, Bulgaria — an incredibly important milestone for CluneTech. That step marked the beginning of our international journey and played a key role in shaping the global business we are today. I want to sincerely thank everyone, past and present, who has been part of that journey. Your contribution has played a key part in building CluneTech and the success we have achieved together as one team.”

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Today, CluneTech employs nearly 800 people across Bulgaria, with more than 500 based in Varna. The team plays a critical role across the group, supporting the operations and software development of TransferMate, Fintua, Sprintax and Benamic, alongside key functions including finance, customer support, marketing and administration. The strength of the Bulgarian team is also reflected in its longevity, with more than 54% of employees having been with the company for over five years - well above industry averages.

Just days ahead of the anniversary, CluneTech reached another significant milestone, achieving its highest-ever ranking in Career Show’s Top 100 Best Employers in Bulgaria, placing 12th - up from 46th in 2023. The company was also recognised as “Best Employer in Fintech” for the third consecutive year.

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As CluneTech looks to the future, it remains committed to investing in its people, supporting employee wellbeing and development, and continuing to make a positive impact in the communities where it operates.

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Thursday, 25th September, 2025. WeCan, an initiative by CluneTech, has been awarded Community Programme of the Year at the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday, September 24th.
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This honour represents a proud milestone for CluneTech and shines a national spotlight on WeCan’s mission to blend social inclusion with environmental responsibility. Since its launch in March 2024, the initiative has created meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. By leveraging Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, it has also made a significant environmental impact, collecting over 374,000 bottles and cans, diverting 830kg of waste each week, and saving 8,300kg of CO₂
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Commenting on the award, Terry Clune, CEO and Founder of CluneTech, said:

“Being awarded Community Programme of the Year at the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the positive impact of WeCan. Since its launch, the initiative has not only helped protect the environment but has also empowered adults with intellectual disabilities to gain meaningful employment. I want to sincerely thank our team, our exclusive partners at SOS Kilkenny, and the many businesses who have supported WeCan. I am excited about WeCan’s potential to grow and create even more opportunities for our communities in the years ahead.”

John McCarthy, WeCan Project Lead, added:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award for Best Community Programme. At its core, WeCan is about people. It is about using the Deposit Return Scheme not only to recycle bottles and cans but to create opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to grow in confidence, independence and connection. We see this every day in participants like Adam, Jamie and Ross whose pride and friendships have flourished since joining. This award belongs to them, to our community and to everyone who has supported WeCan.”

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards are Ireland’s foremost celebration of CSR and sustainability, recognising companies that demonstrate leadership in creating positive change across community, workplace, marketplace, and environment. CluneTech’s success in the Community Programme category highlights the impact of WeCan in fostering inclusion while driving climate action.
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Since its launch, WeCan has also won the Pakman Award for Best Deposit Return Scheme Initiative, chosen ahead of leading industry names such as Coca-Cola and Lidl, and was invited by Re-Turn to present at Bord Bia Bloom, where it featured on the Sustainability Stage as an example of how the Deposit Return Scheme can deliver both environmental and social impact.
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WeCan works closely with the Work4Life Employment Support team from SOS Kilkenny CLG, a not-for-profit organisation supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. This collaboration ensures participants are supported in their workplace journey, reflecting CluneTech’s commitment to building a more inclusive society while protecting the environment.
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About the Sustainable Business Impact Awards
The Sustainable Business Impact Awards, organised annually by Chambers Ireland, are Ireland’s leading awards for sustainable development and CSR. The Awards recognise the meaningful and high-quality work by companies through different award categories, including Environment, Charity, Volunteering, Community, Workplace, and Communication, Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Sized Business, and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.
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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
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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. The group encompasses TransferMate, Fintua, Sprintax, Benamic, among others. Immedis, a leading global payroll platform, was acquired by UKG in June 2023, in one of Ireland’s largest technology deals.

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.
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For more information, please contact:
Lauren Cleere, Marketing and Communications Manager, CluneTech

Lauren.Cleere@clunetech.com

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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Exceptional managers and leaders are key to CluneTech’s reputation as a Great Place to Work. To recognize her outstanding leadership, Albena Pashova, Global VAT Recovery Manager at Taxback International, was invited for an interview with Economy.bg. In the conversation, she shares insights from her 23-year career at Taxback International, a CluneTech company and global leader in VAT recovery.

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Albena, tell us about your journey at Taxback International so far.

I will never forget my start at Taxback International 23 years ago. And no, I didn’t start as a manager. I worked my way through every step of the company hierarchy – from VAT Specialist to Team Leader, Manager, and most recently, Global VAT Recovery Manager.

I would say that Taxback International is not just a company; it is a school that fosters exceptional qualities and knowledge, which I have been striving to pass on to my colleagues over the years.

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You manage a team of over 20 tax specialists. Could you tell us more about them?

Our team consists of 25 exceptional individuals, and currently, we have a total of 297 years of experience at Taxback International. Yes, that's an average of over 11 years per person. Each one of them specializes in specific tasks related to VAT document preparation, VAT expense analysis, filing specific returns, communication with tax authorities and agents, and appealing decisions. At the same time, thanks to their exceptional experience and knowledge, each of us can assist our colleagues when needed, especially during busy periods. These 25 people file thousands of documents, VAT returns, emails, and letters to the tax authorities every year, recovering millions of euros in VAT for clients around the world.

Sometimes I joke that our team operates like a highly efficient machine or a combat unit.

2024 was the most successful year for our department in terms of the amounts recovered for our clients. An extraordinary achievement was that, for the first time in the company’s history, we recovered 23 million euros in VAT from Saudi Arabia for a single client. This wouldn't have been possible without the knowledge, dedication, and exceptional professional skills of my colleagues.

An example of the team's dedication was during the COVID pandemic, when 99% of Taxback International's employees had to work from home, but our Covid heroes – Iskra, Iveta, Elena, and Petar – stayed to work from our office to ensure the proper functioning of the technical departments in Varna and the timely processing of all incoming original documents.

Now, although Taxback International is an extremely flexible employer when it comes to work location, almost our entire team works in the company's office. We voluntarily returned to the office environment as early as June 2020. For the success of our department, the team spirit, and the exceptionally positive atmosphere among colleagues, direct daily contact is of immense importance.

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The average tenure with you is significantly higher than at other places. What do you think this is due to?

There are different approaches to team leadership. The one I have personally developed over the years is called 'Lead from the heart.' There is a lot of information available on this topic online.

It is generally believed that emotions have no place in business, but I don’t think that's true.

Respect for colleagues, leading by personal example, setting clear goals, encouraging, motivating, and recognizing achievements – for me, that is the secret to a successful team. The personal example set by a manager is inspiring, and inevitably, the team absorbs not only knowledge but also dedication, passion – that spark is contagious.

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Based on your observations, what motivates your colleagues the most?

In my opinion, the people in my department are motivated by the way the team is led, the recognition of their achievements, the flexible policy regarding working hours and location, and the sense of belonging and shared purpose. Because we are not just a department; after all these years, we are friends and even family – such a sense of belonging takes time and effort to build.

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Albena Pashova’s full interview can be found at Economy.bg

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