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CluneTech Celebrates 25 Years in Bulgaria

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.

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.”

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.

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.

April 28, 2026

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CluneTech Reaches Highest-Ever Ranking in Bulgaria’s Top 100 Employers

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.

April 22, 2026

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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 Welcomes the Ambassador of Ireland to Bulgaria to Its Varna Office

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.


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.

February 6, 2026

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WeCan Awarded Community Programme of the Year at the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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

Lauren.Cleere@clunetech.com

September 25, 2025

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Taxback International Becomes Fintua

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. 

“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. 

For more details about the rebrand, launch events, and services, please visit www.fintua.com.

June 3, 2025

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Building a Stronger Sales Culture at Benamic

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.

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.

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.”

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.

May 5, 2026

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5 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Philip Traynor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

April 8, 2026

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Strengthening VAT Expertise: The First Year of Fintua Tax Academy

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.

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/.

February 26, 2026

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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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From Project Manager to UX Designer: Ventsi’s Career Journey at Sprintax

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.

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.

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.

Advice for aspiring tech professionals

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

• 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

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.

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.

November 5, 2025

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15 Years at Fintua - Interview with Edward Furlong

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.

September 30, 2025

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CluneTech Cares Supports the Ronald McDonald House Charity

CluneTech are absolutely delighted to be supporting Ronald McDonald House Ireland as part of our CSR Programme, CluneTech Cares. Ronald McDonald House Ireland have been caring for families in Ireland since 2004 and since then, have provided accommodation, care and support for in excess of 4,200+ families from all over Ireland.

We recently paid a visit and saw first-hand the tremendous work that their team does to support families through the toughest of times in the most loving, homely, and peaceful way.

“We call ourselves the invisible family that wraps ourselves around mum, dad, brothers, and sisters. We provide them with a home and the security and safety net they require while facing, quite often, a long period of time when their child is sick in the hospital” said Louise Quail, Corporate Relationship Manager with The Ronald McDonald House Charity. “It’s never going to be their home, and we never want it to the be their home, but it has to be the next best thing.”

CluneTech’s donation will see us sponsor a bedroom in the new Ronald McDonald House which will be built on the campus of the new National Children's Hospital. With 52 bedrooms spread out over four floors, the new house will be a vital home for families from every county and every town in Ireland. We are honoured to be sponsoring a room, and playing a role in supporting such an incredible charity.

“Outside of just providing extra bedrooms, there’s going to be so much more communal spaces allowing us to possibly extend our programmes or offer additional core programmes or services that can really support the wellbeing of the overall family.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities are actively seeking sponsorship and donations towards their new house build. To learn more, please visit https://www.rmhc.ie/about-us/new-house.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland is to provide a Ronald McDonald House to support families whose children are seriously ill in hospital. The Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation and a caring and supportive environment for families whose children are seriously ill and are hospitalised or undergoing medical treatment at Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin.

The Ronald McDonald House Position Paper 2021 outlines who we are, the impact we make and where oursupport comes from. To find out more about our New 52-bedroom RonaldMcDonald House alongside the New Children’s Hospital click here.

About CluneTech Cares

CluneTech’s CSR programme was established in September 2007in response to a tragic flooding disaster in Tsar Kaloyan, Bulgaria. Deeply saddened by the news, our Bulgarian employees decided to help and within 48hours, they had rallied together and organised 3.5 tonnes of food and 12,000litres 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 and giving back to our local communities.

The amazing thing about our CSR Programme is that it’s created by our people, for our people. Each year employees are given the opportunity to request which charities we support and the programme’s global reach results in us having appositive impact in each of the communities we operate in.

As part of CluneTech Cares, in 2020 we introduced our Volunteer Day which empowers our people to give back within their local communities during working time, ensuring that even our smaller teams can get behind the charities and causes closest to their hearts.

In 2022, we donated over €75,000 and supported over 55 charities, causes and fundraisers.

 

Further Information:

Rachael Quinlan, Head of Employee Experience, CluneTech

rachael.quinlan@clunetech.com

Tel: +353873450595

 

Louise Quail, Corporate Relationship Manager, RonaldMcDonald House Charities Ireland

louise.quail@rmhc.ie

Tel: +353868659116

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Supports the I Want a Baby Foundation, Further Assisting Those Experiencing Infertility

CluneTech’s award winning employee wellbeing programme offers a range of supports and initiatives including corporate health insurance, a Global Employee Assistance Programme, Life Work Days and much more, ensuring that health and wellbeing of our people is always a priority. In recent years, we expanded our offering to include fertility support and paid leaves for both IVF / pregnancy support and miscarriage / pregnancy loss, helping our people and / or their partners through all stages of their fertility journey.

With this in mind, we are honoured to announce that this summer, CluneTech has made its first donation towards the I Want a Baby Foundation in Bulgaria. This donation will directly assist the facilitation of psychological support groups for those experiencing infertility in Bulgaria’s sea capital Varna, where the large majority of our Bulgarian workforce is based.

The I Want a Baby Foundation launched its psychological programme in 2007. The programme is the first of its kind as it has been thoughtfully crafted to run in tandem with the medical procedures a couple is going through.

Following the donation, Katya Simeonova, who is the psychologist conducting the support groups in Varna, shared:

“When families start their infertility path, we always notice a feeling of social isolation. Their families and friends usually have children, and this is something that upsets them very much. They start distancing themselves emotionally. They usually don’t have someone to share the things they are going through and at some point, they start feeling isolated. The work in such groups is very precious to them as it gives women with infertility a chance to meet people with similar problems, to talk things through, each one of them to share the challenges they have been through. They get great feedback and in addition, they start getting closer to each other. They keep nurturing the friendships they create throughout our support groups even after the end of the program. I’m confident to say that group therapy is working really well.”

The donation was made following an employee's suggestion

At the beginning of 2023, in addition to the many amazing initiatives we already support, we opened our global CSR request form, where our employees from all over the world have the opportunity to submit requests highlighting which charities and causes they would like to see us support. This year saw the highest number of requests to date, with our employees eager to see us support the charities and causes closest to their hearts.

Following an open vote on our internal communications platform Workvivo, the I Want a Baby Foundation which was put forward by Iglika Raeva, was chosen as the next CluneTech Cares beneficiary.

Following her nomination, Iglika Raeva from our Veliko Tarnovo office shared:

“The reason I want to support 'I Want a Baby' is because it is a cause very close to my heart. The volunteers there give their time and endless effort to support the families that are listed in the program. They support them not only financially, but also mentally, and emotionally and become their second family. All the parents of the babies born with the help of the foundation are also volunteers and they give back time and effort invested by others previously for them. I see great value in their cause as it brings happiness to people that have wanted this for years.”

About the I Want a Baby Foundation

The I Want a Baby Foundation coordinates reproduction, fertility treatment and psychological support programmes for childless couples.  

The foundation’s efforts led to the creation of Bulgaria’s National IVF Fund and there are now IVF Funds in over 45 municipalities in the country. These funds sponsor up to four IVF procedures per couple. In addition to the foundation’s psychological support programme, the I Want a Baby Foundation also operates a genetic material donor programme for all couples who, after multiple unsuccessful procedures, are unable to conceive and require a donor.

In 2023 the organization celebrates its 16th birthday. In those sixteen years they have welcomed 3,500 babies in Varna and 20,000 babies in other locations, which would easily fill a whole town!  

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 litres 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 and giving back to our local communities.

The amazing thing about our CSR Programme is that it’s created by our people, for our people. Each year employees are given the opportunity to request which charities we support and the programme’s global reach results in us having appositive impact in each of the communities we operate in.

As part of CluneTech Cares, in 2020 we introduced our Volunteer Day which empowers our people to give back within their local communities during working time, ensuring that even our smaller teams can get behind the charities and causes closest to their hearts.

In 2022, we donated over €75,000 and supported over 55 charities, causes and fundraisers.

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Cares Second 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.

April's CSR Spotlight: CluneTech Goes Green

With one of the key pillars of our CSR Programme CluneTech Cares being sustainability, we couldn’t forget all of our recent CSR events under the #CluneTechGoesGreen umbrella which we organized for our staff during the month of April.

Every year, in celebration of World Earth Day, CluneTech Goes Green for the month of April to raise awareness about the environment and learn more about what we can do for our planet across our day to day lives.  

During the month of April #CluneTechGoesGreen:

• Shared daily tips and tricks with our colleagues on how we can change aspects of our lifestyles for the better of our planet.

• Donated €5 per employee that participated in a 5k run / walk for the month of April to Leave No Trace, Ireland’s only Outdoor Ethics Education Programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation.

• Debuted fresh ways to promote sustainability to our people like our virtual cooking demo with The Happy Pear discussing Sustainability, Food Waste and Cooking on a Budget, as well as a webinar teaching us how we can limit our digital use environmental footprint.  

Thanks to our team's support and participation throughout the month, CluneTech donated over €100 to our dedicated sustainability charity, Leave No Trace Ireland which will go towards their work sustaining a healthy and vibrant outdoor environment for everyone. Well done to all of our amazing colleagues for their participation this month.

Antonia Petrova raising money for our dedicated charity ‘Leave No Trace, Ireland’ during her 10K on World Earth Day and The Happy Pear Global Virtual Cookathon for World Earth Day.

 

May’s CSR Spotlight: World MS Day

In honour of World MS Day, CluneTech Cares dedicated May's CSR spotlight to a number of incredibly deserving multiple sclerosis support charities. The charities supported included Moga Sam, MS Ireland and MS Society UK.

The MS – Moga sam organization in Bulgaria was founded by Bilyana Savova. At the age of 40, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Bilyana started the organization in 2013 to support people with multiple sclerosis by helping them deal with their diagnosis both mentally and physically, as well as guiding them towards healthy lifestyle changes that can improve a range of MS symptoms.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland (MS Ireland) is the only national organisation providing information, support, and advocacy services to the MS community. Their services include Regional Community Worker programmes for one-to-one support, physiotherapy, symptom management courses, newly diagnosed sessions, and the MS Information Line, one of the first services used in the time leading up to or following a diagnosis.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society is the UK's largest charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis. The organisation funds research, campaigns for social and political change and provides services that help people with multiple sclerosis and their families. It also compiles the only report of its kind on prevalence and living situations for people with MS across the UK

On the 30th of May, a walk / run was organised both remotely and in person for those who wanted to take part with their teammates in aid of this amazing cause. Following our team’s participation throughout the month of May, CluneTech donated €100 to each of our dedicated MS support charities. This donation will go towards the hugely important services made available to people affected by MS and their families. Thank you to everyone who got involved and for the support you’ve shown to our incredible charities during the month of May.

Plamen Cvetkov during his run for World MS Day

June's CSR Spotlight: Pride Month

This June, we dedicated our CSR Spotlight to Pride Month in support and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. All donations go towards several incredibly deserving LGBT+ support organisations and charities.

June is Pride Month, when the world’s LGBT communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are.

The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement.

During the month of June, not only did our teams get involved in our monthly walk / run in support of the LGBTQ+ community, but they also took part in a number of fundraising Pride Month activities including CluneTech’s ‘Wear Your Rainbow Day’ and our annual Pride themed photography competition where we asked our teams what pride means to them.

Thanks to our team's participation throughout the month, CluneTech has made a monetary donation in support of our LGBTQ+ organisations and charities. Well done to all of our amazing colleagues for their participation this month.

CluneTech’s 'Wear your Rainbow Day' 2023

Business Run 2023

For the third year in a row, we participated in Bulgaria’s biggest corporate run which took place in the Bulyard shipping factory in Varna, Bulgaria. On June 12th two CluneTech teams took part in Business Run Varna ranking #5 out of 76 teams on the day and #2 in the women's ranking. Not only was the Business Run a really great team building event, but it’s also a great way to give back to charity as 30% of the registration fees from the event was also donated to Karin Dom's new therapeutical center in Varna.

Set in the beautiful city of Varna, Karin Dom's new building opened its doors in September 2022, giving children with special needs from the Northeast of Bulgaria access to vital therapy that will help them to grow in strength and confidence. Well done to both teams on a fantastic result and for your time supporting this great cause.

Our CluneTech team taking part in Varna’s Business Run 2023

Garden Swing for the Veliko Tarnovo’s Daycare Center for Children with Disabilities

Following our 2021 gardening therapy project, CluneTech and our Veliko Tarnovo team made another meaningful contribution to the local Daycare Center for children with disabilities. We donated a garden swing, allowing the young people in the center to spend more quality time outdoors which can help them reduce anxiety, increase their attention span, and improve their overall physical and mental wellbeing.  

Veliko Tarnovo’s Center 'Rainbow' provides a set of services to promote children’s development, ensure comprehensive care for them during the day, meet their learning needs, provide motor and speech therapy, and provide quality time outdoors with their friends and family.

The Veliko Tarnovo Children’s Daycare Center in Bulgaria

  

'I Believe and Help' Plastic Caps Recycling Campaign

Following the ongoing support of our team in Bulgaria, CluneTech donated 21kgs of plastic caps for the latest edition of the 'I believe and help' initiative in Varna, which took place on 29th April.  

'I believe and help' is a well-known Bulgarian initiative that 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.

In addition to the plastic caps collection, this year the organizers promoted their first penny fundraiser campaign and a local fundraising bazaar, ending with an amazing record of 31 tons of plastic caps collected, equal to 24 800 BGN.

The latest goal of the 'I believe and help' organization is the collection of 500 000 BGN which will be used for buying:

• The first in Bulgaria mobile blood donation vehicle

• The second in the Southeast of Bulgaria Neonatal ambulance

• Lifesaving medical equipment for the pediatric surgical ward in St. Anna’s Hospital in Varna

 

CluneTech’s Bulgarian Team fundraising for the ‘I Believe and Help’ Plastic Caps Recycling Campaign in April

Career Counseling Program  

Our career counselling program is our way to show how CluneTech cares about the youth and their future career development. For a fifth year in a row, CluneTech’s career counselling program took place in Varna High School of Commerce during the academic year 2022-2023.  

In this year’s edition of our career counseling program, managers from various businesses from across our group met the young students training them for real life job interviews and developing specific skills which can help them get the best out of the career exploration, job search and job application processes.  

At the end of the academic year, all participants had their professional LinkedIn headshot done by our in-house photographer and the best ones received a job recommendation letter from their mentor.  Congratulations to all of our participants from Varna High School of Commerce and our Career Counseling Program mentors on this incredible initiative.

CluneTech’s career counselling program in Varna High School of Commerce, 2023

 

The First Ever Open CSR Employee Vote in Bulgaria

CluneTech Cares is led by our employees, for our employees. At the beginning of 2023, we opened our global CSR request form. We received exactly 50 requests from our teams with fundraising requests for charities and causes they hold dearest, in addition to the many amazing initiatives we already support.

This year in Bulgaria, we decided to follow our employee feedback and let our people decide the next initiative supported by CluneTech Cares.

Following our team’s feedback, the 'I Want a Baby' organization was chosen as our next beneficiary. The 'I Want a Baby' organization coordinates reproduction, fertility treatment and psychological support programs for childless couples.  

Following her nomination, Iglika Raeva from our Veliko Tarnovo office shared:

“The reason I want to support 'I Want a Baby' is because it is a cause very close to my heart. The volunteers there give their time and endless effort to support the families that are listed in the program. They support them not only financially, but also mentally, and emotionally and become their second family. All the parents of the babies born with the help of the foundation are also volunteers and they give back time and effort invested by others previously for them. I see great value in their cause, to have more babies, increased population, happiness for people that have wanted this for years.”
The 'I Want a Baby”'organization fundraiser in Bulgaria

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 our Volunteer Day, over 70 CluneTech employees have contributed to causes which they find meaningful, and this number keeps growing. 

Marie Collins volunteering at Griffeen Parkrun
“A huge thank you from Griffeen parkrun for the very generous donation from CluneTech and the GPTW team. The core team used the donation to purchase a microphone and speaker, which makes the important run and safety briefings audible!”

– Marie Collins, Immedis.

 

The Social Teahouse Renovation

Just a week before Easter, over ten CluneTech volunteers helped with the renovation of the Social Teahouse in Varna. Their immense support came in addition to a small financial donation that CluneTech made to give a push to the organization’s renovation project.  

The Social Teahouse is a tea and coffee shop, a venue for many events and a favorite place for the residents and the guests of the city of Varna. Most importantly, it is a social enterprise set up to support young people from difficult backgrounds and help them gain employment by giving them a chance to start their first job in the organization.

   

Chris Henry participating in the restoration of one of Bulgaria’s most ancient churches

In May 2023, Chris Henry from our Veliko Tarnovo office spent his Volunteer Day working on the restoration of one of Bulgaria’s most ancient churches in the Kereka village near Dryanovo, Bulgaria called “Mary’s Holy Annunciation”. A volunteering group led by Hristo Totsev worked on restoring the retaining wall of the nearly 200-year-old building, which was also used as a school for the children of the residents of the village.

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Cares First 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.

January’s CSR Spotlight: The Dillon Quirke Foundation

This year, CluneTech introduced a monthly CSR Spotlight where one charity / cause will be featured for our colleagues to support. Every month, a 5k walk / run is organised and CluneTech Cares donates €5 per person that participates during the given time frame to the spotlighted cause. 

Our first CSR Spotlight for Q1 was dedicated to The Dillon Quirke Foundation in aid of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. 

The Dillon Quirke Foundation has been set up in memory of the late Tipperary hurler, Dillon Quirke who collapsed and died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome on August 5th, 2022. He had been playing for his club Clonoulty-Rossmore against Kilruane McDonagh in the Tipperary Hurling Championship.

The foundation which is run by Dillon's parents, Dan and Hazel, and his sisters Kellie and Shannon, plans to screen GAA players for the syndrome and a GoFundMe page has been created to raise awareness and funds.

Following our team's participation during the month of January, CluneTech made a donation to The Dillon Quirke Foundation which has gone towards their amazing work screening GAA players for the disease. 

From everyone here at CluneTech Cares, we want to thank all of our colleagues for the difference you have made this January. 


TransferMate’s Cathal Byrne, Declan McQuillan, David Cahill, and Ciara Cooney at January’s CSR Spotlight 5K



February’s CSR Spotlight: World Cancer Day

In honour of World Cancer Day, CluneTech Cares dedicated February's CSR spotlight to a number of incredibly deserving cancer support charities. The charities supported included Severn Hospice, Carlow Kilkenny Homecare and The Irish Hospice Foundation. 


Severn Hospice supports families through the good days and bad days because they believe that when cure is no longer possible, care is. Since 1989, they have given free care and support to more than 34,000 people and their loved ones during their time of greatest need. They now help more than 2,000 local people every year.


Since 1989, Carlow Kilkenny Homecare has been available, providing a palliative care service for patients with cancer at all stages of their disease. The team is a voluntary organisation supported mainly by local voluntary fundraising by the people of Carlow and Kilkenny. The team provides support and information to help their patients and family cope with the feelings around diagnosis, treatment and much more as they navigate their illness.

The Irish Hospice Foundation believes that every single patient matters and always wants to ensure the best end-of-life and bereavement care, for all. From advocacy and education to their vital services like Nurses for Night Care and their Bereavement Support Line. 


On the 9th of February, a walk / run was organised in our Kilkenny, Dublin, Cluj-Napoca and New Jersey offices for those who wanted to take part with their teammates in aid of this amazing cause. Following our team’s participation throughout the month of February, CluneTech donated over €1,500 to our dedicated cancer support charities. This donation will go towards the hugely important services made available to people affected by cancer and their families. Thank you to everyone who got involved and for the support you’ve shown to our incredible charities during the month of February.



TransferMate’s Treasury Team supporting World Cancer Day during their lunchtime 5K walk 



March’s CSR Spotlight: Autism Awareness

This March, we dedicated our CSR Spotlight to World Autism Awareness with all donations from our participating colleagues going towards a number of autism support charities and organisations.

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. 

Autism support charities help people and families affected by autism in so many ways. These organisations provide services, support groups, activities and much more for those on the autism spectrum to help improve the quality of their everyday life. 

During the month of March, not only did our teams get involved in our monthly walk / run in support of autism awareness but our colleagues also took some time during Neurodiversity Week to learn more about and celebrate Neurodiversity through a number of informative online webinars. 

Thanks to our team's support and participation throughout the month, CluneTech made a monetary donation in support of autism awareness, benefiting a number of incredible autism support charities and organisations. Well done to all of our amazing colleagues for their participation this month.



Georgi Stoyanov from our Immedis team during his 5K for Autism Awareness this March




Help for Turkey

Аfter the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, CluneTech Cares made a monetary donation which facilitated the purchase of warm blankets, winter jackets and boots, all of which are essential items needed by those impacted.  A special thanks to our colleagues Natalya Dermenji and Yordan Karapeev from our Immedis team who volunteered their time to coordinate the donation in less than a day to the Bulgarian Red Cross, who had organized an initiative to transport donated goods from Bulgaria to the distressed cities. Well done Natalya and Yordan!

Natalya Dermenji and Yordan Karapeev from our Immedis team

Martenitsi Campaign

On the 1st of March, our colleagues in Bulgaria celebrated Baba Marta, a Bulgarian holiday deeply rooted in Bulgarian folklore and culture. Baba Marta, which means "Grandmother March", is a personification of the month of March celebrating the arrival of spring.

On this day, Bulgarians exchange ‘martenitsi’ which are small, red and white braided bracelets made of wool or thread and which symbolises good health to all.

In preparation of Baba Marta, our colleagues in our Varna and Veliko Tarnovo offices joined forces using their CSR volunteer days to hand-craft some martenitsi that were later sold at local charity markets in aid of children with special needs.

Following this initiative, a donation of 716 BGN will go towards therapy for children with special needs who are enrolled in Karin Dom support programs. A further donation of 370 BGN (matched by CluneTech) will be used to buy craft materials for the children in the daily centre for people with disabilities in Veliko Tarnovo. Well done to our teams in Varna, Veliko Tarnovo and everyone involved.

CluneTech’s volunteers taking part in martenitsi making for Karim Dom in Bulgaria


Vinitsa Childrens Medical Centre

During the month of January, Clunetech Cares donated much needed kitchen equipment to the Vinitsa Childrens Medical Centre which will allow the staff to continue cooking and feeding the children while they are in the centre.


The Vinitsa centre cares for over 300 children a year and is the largest facility of its kind in north east Bulgaria. The centre provides medical care and rehabilitation to premature babies and children with neurological and orthopaedic problems. CluneTech Cares was honoured to support this amazing initiative this January.

The Team at Vinitsa Children's Medical Centre



Sneaker Donation Campaign

During the month of February CluneTech ran a charity campaign to support children from the Izgrev centre - a centre for orphans, located in the city of Varna. It unites two family-type accommodation houses with 21 children between 9-20 years, deprived of parental care.

Throughout the month, CluneTech Cares donated 3 large boxes of sneakers to children in need to the Izgrev Centre. We are incredibly proud and thankful for the kindness and generosity shown by our employees and the positive impact they have made here.

CluneTech’s sneaker donation for the children of the Izgrev Centre in Varna, Bulgaria


Kilkenny Masters Basketball Event

CluneTech Cares was delighted to sponsor the Kilkenny Master’s Basketball Tournament for the second year in a row.

This competition is one of Ireland’s most prestigious Masters tournaments with over 40 basketball teams from Ireland, the UK, Spain and Europe competing together. The event was a huge success with the Kilkenny women's team winning their opening game of the tournament along with the Kilkenny Men's team following suit later that day. 

We were honoured to be a part of this event and want to give a special mention to Éanna Brady, Senior VP of Sales at Taxback International, for submitting this CSR request. Well done to everyone involved!

Taxback International’s Éanna Brady at the Kilkenny Masters Basketball Event this March

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 our Volunteer Day, 58 CluneTech employees have contributed to causes which they find meaningful, and this number keeps growing. 

Desislava Teneva and Srebrina Dimitrova used their volunteering day to support this year's Karim Dom Martenitsi campaign in support of children with special needs. 



We want to thank our amazing group of volunteers who spent their Valentine's Day sharing some love with the planet. Our volunteers planted over 1,200 trees in partnership with Self Help Africa. 

By taking part in CluneTech's Plant a Tree Day, our team contributed to Self Help Africa's effort to plant 100,000 new native trees in the island of Ireland, and 1,000,000 trees in Africa!



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.

Fast Heroes 112 Educational Programme 

‍FAST Heroes is an award-winning educational initiative supported by the World Stroke Organization that aims to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and the need for speedy action. It leverages children’s amazing enthusiasm for learning and sharing, encouraging the spread of knowledge to the rest of their family, particularly to their grandparents. The campaign offers educational resources to inspire learning in Kindergartens and Primary schools, to facilitate the transfer of that knowledge to families at home. 

2022 is the first year CluneTech has taken part in this project by donating over €2,000 which will allow the program’s ambassadors to roll out the FAST Heroes educational campaign for the first time in Varna, Bulgaria.

On World Stroke Day on October 29th FAST Heroes presented to our teams. The presentation further increased awareness and CluneTech employees were also given the opportunity to nominate a school of their choice who would be enrolled in the program. Following a public vote, the “Geo Milev” School, nominated by Iliyana Stefanova from the Irish Accounts Team in Bulgaria, was selected to be the first school in Varna that will take part in the FAST Heroes 112 campaign. 

Illiyana Stefanova, FAST Heroes 112 Winner

 

Black and Whites GAA Club

CluneTech recently made a donation to help support the Blacks and Whites GAA club from Skeoughvosteen who successfully won the Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship (1-17 to 0-17) against Windgap in UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday, 23rd October. This was a huge achievement for the rural club and we were extremely proud to have had the opportunity to support them in their victory. Well done to all involved on this amazing win, from everyone here at CluneTech!

A special mention for CluneTech employee Emma Doyle’s nephew, Seanán Doyle who was part of the winning lineup. Some of our team will remember Seanán from his transition year work experience a few years back. 

Black and Whites joint Captains Joe Kelly and Paul Murphy lift the Junior Cup

 

Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street

We were absolutely delighted to present Temple Street hospital with a donation towards their Speech and Language Department in November. Having a sick baby is understandably very stressful for families and parents don’t always get the opportunity to have a ‘normal’ parenting experience when their baby is sick. Because of this, Temple Street introduced some time on the ward for a daily ‘Baby Readathon’ where parents are encouraged to read to their baby and have some quality time together, aside from when their child is being treated.

CluneTech’s donation was dedicated towards the purchase of some much needed books for babies in Temple Street’s neonatal wards that will last 3-6 years, for babies diagnosed with Trachea-oesophageal fistula (TOF) and Oesophageal Atresia (OA).

We were so honoured to support such an amazing cause and to highlight the wonderful work Children's Health Foundation and Temple Street do so well.

Aislinn Brennan presenting a Cheque to Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street in November.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a day that encourages people to give back in whatever ways they can. For this year's Giving Tuesday, we were honored to support three amazing charities who work incredibly hard to make a positive difference within their communities and beyond. We were delighted to have the opportunity to make a donation to each of these causes to mark this global generosity movement.

Take a look at our three charities below that we chose to celebrate our #GivingTuesday with this year:

Coalition for the Homeless - Through CluneTech Cares, we were honored to make a donation to Coalition for the Homeless in New York City. Enda Kelleher, VP of Sprintax, volunteers in their soup kitchen every week and brings the amazing work that they do to our attention. The Coalition’s Grand Central Food Program (GCFP) was founded in 1985, the day after a homeless woman died of starvation in Grand Central Terminal. Since then, the program has grown to become the largest mobile soup kitchen in America. Each night, their vans deliver between 800 and 1,200 healthy meals of hot stew, bread, fresh fruit, and juice or milk — as well as coats, hats, gloves and blankets in the colder weather — to those struggling to survive rough on the streets at 25 stops around the city.

One To World - Established in 1977, One To World was founded by a group of foreign student advisers committed to building bridges between international students on campus and the broader New York community. This work quickly grew into a set of programs aimed at creating strong international relationships through intercultural awareness and understanding by creating multiple opportunities where people can come together face-to-face and share their perspectives, experiences, and lives.

Cultural Vistas - Founded in 1963, Cultural Vistas has grown into the leading exchange organization of its kind. The organization focuses on providing professional experience – now helping more than 6,000 students, professionals, and emerging world leaders to make the world a better, more peaceful, and collaborative place each year.

Jen Clarke, CEO of One to World with Enda Kelleher, VP of Sprintax

 

 

One to World, Cultural Vistas and Enda Kelleher, VP of Sprintax with Coalition for the Homeless, NYC.

 

 

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 58 CluneTech employees have contributed to causes which they find meaningful, and this number keeps growing. See what some of them shared with us about their experience:

 

International Volunteer Day 2022

The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) coordinates International Volunteer Day on the 5th of December every year. We wanted to give thanks to our team for standing by others and supporting causes they truly care about. This work makes an incredible difference and creates a better future for everyone involved.

In recognition and appreciation of the tireless work of our CluneTech volunteers, we created this short interview with our colleagues who agreed to be involved and asked them to tell us about their volunteering stories and experiences.

 

Click Here to Catch the Full Interview

 

 

Svetla Arsova and the ‘For You’ Workshops 

“I used my volunteer day yesterday and took part in the workshops that the association 'За Теб' ('For You') is organizing. Every week young people in disadvantaged situations are gathering for creative activities. They welcomed me open-heartedly in their community and we spent the time coloring and decorating cones, making hearts and apples out of wool and chatting about whatever comes to mind. I really appreciate having this opportunity and I would love to join them again next year!!”

Svetla Arsova, Business Intelligence & DA Specialist, Immedis 

'For You' workshop with Svetla Arsova

Georgi Stanchev and Rumyana Hristova at ‘I Believe and Help’ Varna 

This October, our very own Georgi Stanchev and Rumyana Hristova  brought 43 kg of plastic caps for the initiative ‘I believe and help’ in Varna, Bulgaria. Not only are the plastic caps going to be recycled, but the money collected from the initiative will be used for buying vital medical equipment and ambulances for children. 

“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 Georgi and Rumyana! 

 

Georgi Stanchev and Rumyana Hristova at 'I Believe and Help' Varna

 

Brendan Coughlan, Emma Doyle, Ian Hayes and Gareth McLaughlin volunteering at Saplings Special School, Goresbridge, Kilkenny.

During October, local volunteers gathered together for a DIY SOS project in aid of the Saplings School in Goresbridge, for some much-needed improvements.

Saplings helps to support parents and their children with disabilities, giving them a space that is safe and compassionate to their needs; however, their biggest problem was that the spaces they had weren't fit for purpose.

Our volunteers Ian Hayes, Brendan Coughlan, Emma Doyle and Gareth McLoughlin gave their time to help with five projects that were undertaken on the day. 

Together, they tackled Sapling’s outdoor classroom and their sensory area, which was previously just a parking lot and outdoor storage area respectively. Both of which were totally unsuitable for the children and their care.

Take a look at what Brendan Coughlan, Head of Process Re-engineering at TransferMate had to say about their volunteer day with Saplings:

“A big thank you to CluneTech for the CSR Day that enabled us to give back to our local community. We believe we made a big difference in the lives of the children and their caretakers, who can now let the kids explore and use all the space available to them.

The funds for the whole project were raised by local Paulstown resident, Julia Purcell by getting a team to cycle the Paris to Nice Charity ride for donations, read more here: https://sportforbusiness.com/sigmar-take-to-saddle-for-saplings/

Well done to Ian Hayes for his work with Saplings and bringing this amazing initiative to all of our attention. Thank you also to Brendan, Emma and Gareth for putting their volunteer day to great use and for the incredible difference they have all made towards these children's lives.

Our CluneTech volunteers pictured above along with their amazing work at Saplings Special School

 

Saving Clogh Village with Mark Hender

In Q4, Mark Hender from Immedis went on a mission to save the Clogh village in north Kilkenny from becoming another statistic of derelict villages in Ireland. 

To support the last remaining pub in the village and to help raise funds and restore the large Christmas tree in the center of the village, Mark organized a pub quiz and raffle. As part of #CluneTechCares, we matched all donations raised by our employees and covered 10 euro cost for employees participating in the quiz.

“Myself and few other members of Clogh Village in north Kilkenny are determined to help Clogh become an active community once again and not be another statistic of derelict villages of Ireland. A precursor to this was the community pulling together to save the last remaining pub which has only thrived under new community ownership and we believe we can do even more as a community by providing more amenities and celebrations in the coming years.

We are onto the next ventures of making Clogh a real place to visit, which is to restore a Christmas theme around the village. We have big ideas but because we are very low on time (and even lower on money), we are aiming to achieve phase 1 of the Christmas project this year which is to restore a large Christmas tree in the center of the village and decorated with lights and remembrance slips of paper of people we would like to remember.”, Mark shared about his project. 

Following the incredibly successful event, Mark thanked everyone for their support: 

“I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who donated and partook in the fundraiser for my village which I posted. It was an incredibly successful night which will bring some extra Christmas cheer this year. A big thank you to Aislinn Brennan and CluneTech Cares for firstly allowing me advertise but then to also match donations <3. It's amazing to be surrounded by such considerate people!!”

Clogh Vilage, Kilkenny

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Cares Recap

CluneTech Cares

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 and we're delighted to see some in-person fundraisers taking place again! Check out some of our latest activity below.

Sport Sponsorship

This quarter, we were delighted to sponsor the purchase of new equipment for the u10 Kilkenny Ladies Football Team. The request came from an employee who volunteers as a coach for the u10 team in their spare time. Despite often being overshadowed by Hurling in Kilkenny, the sport of Gaelic Football is growing in popularity at an underage level and the club is thriving in numbers. However, they do not have a pitch to call their own and rely on fundraising for pitch rental and the purchase of training equipment. We wanted to help the Kilkenny Ladies Football Team keep the momentum going and to be able to continue to provide this important outlet for young local girls.

We were also delighted to support the Kilkenny International Masters Basketball tournament which took place in March. There were 28 teams from Ireland, UK, and Spain participating in Men's and Women's over 40s and over 50s matches. The tournament was a great success, with the Kilkenny Men's over 50s team winning their section, the Kilkenny Women's over 40s team winning the plate, and the Kilkenny Men's over 40s team placing as the runners up in the competition overall.

Kilkenny Masters Basketball Tournament

Another Donation to Karin Dom's Therapeutic Centre

In 2021, we were honoured to participate in another fantastic fundraiser for the community of Varna, Bulgaria. CluneTech made a significant donation to support Karin Dom's long-standing dream: the construction of a new Therapeutic Centre for children with special needs. At the start of this year, with construction on the new centre finally coming to an end, CluneTech made another vital donation of €4,000 to support Karin Dom. This donation will be used to install air conditioning in the Ergo Therapy and Physio Therapy rooms of the new centre.

Set in the beautiful city of Varna, Karin Dom's new building which is expected to open in September this year, will give children with special needs from the Northeast of Bulgaria access to vital therapy that will help them to grow in strength and confidence.

Kilimanjaro Direct

At the beginning of this year, an employee brought to our attention the work of an incredible charity called Kilimanjaro Direct. Established in 2005 by Sheila Ryan in response to the stark poverty she witnessed while on a trip to the area, Kilimanjaro Direct provides food and education for over 125 children. Additionally, the charity has helped to build 10 houses and a primary school in the area. CluneTech Cares gladly donated €500 to help the charity to continue their amazing work in Kilimanjaro.

Vinitsa Children's Medical Centre

Vinitsa Children's Medical Centre 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.

A long-time partner of CluneTech Cares, the medical centre recently embarked on some vital renovations, a project that we were more than happy to support. With this year's donation of €5,000, our partners from Vinitsa bought two air conditioning units, a portable oxygen concentrator, a neonatal pulse oximeter, and a patient monitoring system.

Over the past several years CluneTech has donated close to €12,000 to the Vinitsa Medical Centre. These donations, coupled with contributions from our employees, have helped the centre to purchase important equipment such as hospital beds, therapeutic chairs, baby monitoring devices, and more.

The Team at Vinitsa Children's Medical Centre

Monere Development's Thriving Teens Programme

For the third year running, CluneTech Cares are delighted to sponsor a space for one teenager to take part in Thriving Teens by Monere Development. This space was opened up to CluneTech employees who were invited to nominate a teenager to take part.

Thriving Teens by Monere Development is a programme that supports teenagers by giving them the ability to navigate their own path. They believe that every teenager has the potential to achieve their ideal life and have created this programme to focus on life, social, and practical skills that will allow them to be at their best.

This year's programme is taking place from July 12-14th and more information can be found at www.thrivingteens.ie

Volunteering at Gavroche Shelter

Daniela Tsoneva and Toni Ivanova from our TransferMate team recently used their employee volunteer day to help the young ladies from the Gavroche Shelter in Varna, Bulgaria, purchase new clothes using money donated by CluneTech earlier this year. Daniela and Toni were on hand to ensure the young ladies got everything they needed and that they also enjoyed a great day out with their new friends from CluneTech.

Volunteering at Gavroche Shelter

Help for Ukraine

A group of our employees recently used their CluneTech volunteer days to sort donations at the local Ukrainian Centre in Varna, Bulgaria. They also helped buy and deliver food, water, and hygienic supplies on behalf of the company.

Here's what one of our volunteers, Gocho Gochev, an Operations Manager at TransferMate, had to say;

"I have used my volunteer day to help buy provisions (food, hygienic supplies, etc.) for the refugees in Varna, Bulgaria. It was very useful to be able to avail of the volunteer day as it allowed us to fully focus on doing what needs to be done in order to help.

Almost all of the refugees who are escaping the war in Ukraine are mothers with children that need help and support in these tough moments. This is the least that we can do for them. I would help again if needed."

Many more of our people around the world are contributing at a local level too. As the situation in Ukraine continues to worsen following the invasion by Russia, we as a company continue to look for ways to help those affected by the conflict.

CluneTech Employees Volunteering at the Ukrainian Centre in Varna

Daffodil Day

CluneTech Cares closed out a busy Q1 by coming together to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society on Daffodil Day. Employees were asked to either take part in a 5K challenge or to host a coffee morning with their team. For each employee that took part in either of these activities, CluneTech donated €5 to the Irish Cancer Society. It was incredible to see so many people take time out of their busy schedules to take part, and to help us raise money and awareness for such a meaningful cause. Together, we raised €300 for the Irish Cancer Society!

Daffodil Day at CluneTech

We have another busy quarter ahead for our CSR programme. Follow us on social media and never miss a CluneTech Cares Update!

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July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Cares First 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

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.

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.

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.

May 18, 2026

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Building a Stronger Sales Culture at Benamic

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.

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.

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.”

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.

May 5, 2026

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CluneTech Celebrates 25 Years in Bulgaria

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.

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.”

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.

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.

April 28, 2026

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WeCan Awarded Community Programme of the Year at the 2025 Sustainable Business Impact Awards

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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

Lauren.Cleere@clunetech.com

September 25, 2025

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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.

June 4, 2025

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What keeps a team united and motivated in the long term?

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.

Albena Pashova, Global VAT Recovery Manager at Taxback International

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.

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.

Part of Albena’s Team in Varna, Bulgaria

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.

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.

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

February 5, 2025

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IT Projects in Bulgaria: What Projects is Immedis Working On?

This interview was originally posted in Bulgarian by Economy.bg.

Immedis is a constituent company of CluneTech that provides multi-country payroll and employment tax solutions for organisations with overseas staff – whether local or expatriate. Economy.bg caught up with Immedis employees Elena Yankova (Full Stack Developer) and Iosif Petrov (Automation QA Lead) to learn all about their projects, teams, and technologies.

Could you tell us a little bit about some of the projects that the Immedis teams in Bulgaria are currently working on?

Elena: Our teams develop and maintain software through which we provide our customers with a comprehensive and consolidated service in the field of international payroll. Our system consists of two parts: an internal portal used by Immedis employees and a public portal used by the managers of our client companies, which contains and processes information about their employees. The portal is also used by the employees of our clients, who, in turn, can check their pay slips. Our platform has integrations with various HR platforms that our clients use to collect data about their subordinates, as well as with payment systems through which we can pay the salaries of the employees in question.

Iosif: Our idea is to support the full departmental cycle, while offering real-time reports and analyzes. Apart from that, we are working on building a mobile application that can be used by our customers and their employees.

Elena: Our internal portal is used by Immedis employees to monitor and manage the information of our customers, their employees and the various services we provide for them. Managers from our client companies have access to our public portal. There they can upload information related to hiring a new employee, update the data of existing ones, as well as review the results of our integrations with the external systems they work with, or monitor the payroll process for the current period. They inform us when hiring a new employee or changing the data of an existing one so that we can process his information and calculate their salary.

How many people typically work on a project and what kind of specialists are involved?

Iosif: The total number of Immedis employees in Bulgaria is between 150 and 200, and over 50 of them are in the technical department, of which I am a part of. The colleagues I work with in this department are exceptional specialists. Not a day goes by where I don’t learn something new from a colleague. We have Full Stack, Front End and Back End specialists, DevOps Engineers, Manual / Automation Specialists, ETL Developers, Designers, Business Analysts, Project Managers, and also the so-called scrum masters.

The software team is naturally focused on the development of the aforementioned departmental platform. It is also involved in its integration with other Human Capital Management (HCM) platforms.

The quality assurance team is divided into 3 sub-teams – manual, automation and integration. The three teams are in direct contact throughout the test cycle. The manual team checks via pre-written acceptance criteria whether a feature works as expected. The automation team, in turn, automates the appropriate scenarios from the acceptance criteria that have already passed the manual team. The Integration team deals with quality assurance of integrations with other HCM platforms.

The DevOps team is directly related to the process of creating and changing each functionality in the system such as integration, deployment, management of current infrastructure and more.

The team of designers are responsible for giving the user interface an appealing and professional look.

The team of product managers takes care of the correct prioritization of daily tasks.

The team of business analysts is responsible for writing user stories.

What technologies do you use for individual projects?

Elena: Until recently, our internal portal was developed on the basis of the .NET Framework platform, but in 2021 we migrated to the newer .NET Core to keep up with the best working technologies. Our databases are built on Postgresql, and they are accessed through NHibernate, which provides many opportunities to connect the objects from the database with those of the code and their configuration. Our public portal is written on Angular.js, and our mobile application uses React Native. Our automated tests are written mainly in .NET, and we have some that are written in JavaScript. Our servers are hosted on Amazon AWS, we use Bitbucket as our code repository and Octopus for our CI / CD processes. We also have ETL and Data Analysis teams that use Alteryx and Tableau for various activities around our core developments.

Iosif: We use a wide range of different technologies for projects. Specifically for the departmental platform we use .NET (.NET Core, MVC, Web API, WCF, Entity Framework), Angular, NodeJS, HTML5, CSS3. We use PostgreSQL for the database and we rely on Amazon Web Services for cloud services. To ensure adequate performance and smooth progression through the different versions of the platform, we use BitBucket and Octopus. For testing we have chosen Selenium with .NET, Postman, JMeter, AWS and BitBucket Pipelines to perform automated tests and analyze their results. For monitoring systems we use Grafana, pganalyze, Jaeger.

How do you go about organising project work and processes?

Iosif: Our work is automatically organized on Scrum and we work on sprints, which simplifies the work process. We plan the process at the beginning of the sprint and end with an analysis. We have daily meetings where we discuss the tasks in focus, and here the mentioned scrum masters take part, who help in the process of prioritization.

A business analyst or product owner presents to individual teams the idea of ​​what needs to be done. This is done in the form of a user story, after which the priorities are defined. When this is completed, employees who will develop and test these user stories gather and discuss issues that may arise during the work.

Elena: The projects are divided between the teams, and each team specializes in the maintenance of a specific part. Our team consists mainly of tasks related to the integration of the platform with other external platforms. An example of this is our integration with Oracle as an HCM (Human Capital Management) partner in 2021, as well as SuccessFactors, with which we integrated in 2020.

How have your projects changed over the years?

Elena: Our product started as a system offering payroll services to large companies. Over the years, we have discovered that there are many other opportunities around this service that we can develop and offer. So we started integrating with various external platforms that help us track the data of our customers’ employees or pay their salaries.

Iosif: In the last two years, the company has received investments totaling $75 million, which has allowed it to enter a phase of high growth, which, in turn, has led to the expansion of the Bulgarian team. The project itself has not undergone radical changes, but rather we strive to stay “on the crest of the wave” of new technologies and make the platform more convenient and functional. This has actually won us many large clients and international recognition as one of the best departmental platforms on the market.

What are some of the biggest challenges your team faces when working on these types of projects?

Elena: One of our biggest challenges was to be able to simplify the processes in our public portal, while continuing to function as before. This is something we have been able to deal with over the past year. An additional challenge was the pandemic, which required all of our teams to work from home. Getting used to this new way of organizing the work process was certainly tricky, particularly onboarding and training new staff like me, which my colleagues did very well despite the unusual circumstances.

Iosif: For the last almost 2 years, one of the challenges that has affected every part of the business has been working from home. What is more interesting is that in the end this did not stop us, but on the contrary – even increased the productivity of employees, leading to a positive impact on product quality.

Another challenge is working with more and more sensitive data of companies that have hundreds of employees around the world. We are constantly looking to improve the security of this type of information, as well as the entire platform.

Of course, a challenge, but also a good opportunity, is the advancement of technologies and their implementation to the product. The challenge is to prioritize and strike a good balance between the work that needs to be done straight away and work such as finding and implementing new technologies that will improve the current system.

What are some of your team’s greatest achievements?

Elena: The development of our public portal, which now fulfills everything that our clients have as processes on their part. Also automating the process of collecting data from our customers’ employees through the integrations we have. Now our customers only need to approve the data and confirm that it is correct.

Iosif: We are extremely proud that with the quality of our platform we have managed to attract companies worldwide, including Adobe, MicroFocus, Uber, McAfee and others.

What’s next for the Immedis team in Bulgaria? What else have you got in the pipeline?

Elena: We are about to launch a mobile application that the employees of our clients will be able to use to view their pay slips or change some of the personal data. We also plan to make more integrations with external systems, with which we can make the process completely automated from the acceptance of employees’ data to the payment of their salaries.

Immedis are hiring in Bulgaria! Check out their open vacancies on Jobs.bg.

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's Career Counselling Program

For a fourth year in a row CluneTech’s career counselling program is taking place in Varna High School of Commerce during the academic year 2021-2022. The program aims to help young people to acquire and develop specific skills that will help them get the best out of their career exploration, job search and job application processes. With the help of experienced HR professionals and guest lecturers, the students will learn how to create impressive CV and video resumes, how to prepare for job interviews and, how to find the most compelling job offers on the market.

Over the years CluneTech has organized numerous career events with other local high schools and universities, such as Open Door Days in our offices in Varna and Veliko Tarnovo, Manager for a Day, and many more. All participants in our career counselling program are invited to join a designated Facebook group where we post weekly career counselling advice, inspiring guest interviews and regular updates about any internships and entry level roles in our group of companies.

In 2019 our Career Counselling Program captured the “Innovation in Talent Education” Award at the second B2B Media Employer Branding Awards which celebrate the companies in Bulgaria with the most innovative HR strategies.

We could not be any happier with the results of our program so far. Each and every student that took part excelled and many eventually ended up becoming a part of the CluneTech team.

Our career counselling program, as well as our internship and graduate programs are designed to offer new, young talent the opportunity to learn and grow in an innovative and collaborative environment. With this in mind, we would like to remind you that CluneTech is open to candidates with no experience. As long as you’re driven and willing to learn, we’ll train and support you to become an important member of our team and achieve your full potential.

If you are willing to bring your ideas to the table and are always looking to develop your skills and contribute to making business better, explore our career opportunities as we would love to hear from you!

Kristina Ilieva, Marketing & Communications Specialist at CluneTech, Chatting with a Prospective Candidate at a University Career Day

 

February 15, 2022

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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.

February 15, 2022

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CluneTech Wins the Multi-Sport Sneakers Day Competition

We’re delighted to announce that CluneTech have won the Multi-Sport Sneakers Day 2020 competition!

CluneTech’s inspiring video, which features the beautiful seaside of Varna, has received the highest score from Multi-Sport’s Facebook followers. The video aims to remind everyone that an active lifestyle can bring not only health, but also increased productivity, smiles, and last but not least – good vibes! We would like to personally thank Elena Stefanova, Dian Georgiev, and Ivaylo Stankov from the Design Team in Varna for their hard work in creating the video.

In its second consecutive year, the aim of Multi-Sport’s Sneakers Day is to minimize the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle and therefore, aiming to reduce the rates of obesity, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and many other diseases that are directly related to a lack of physical activity. At CluneTech, the health and well-being of our employees is paramount. GroupLife, our Health & Well-being Programme, promotes a healthy mind, body and work-life balance and features a jam-packed calendar of events and initiatives throughout the year. These include: Discounted gym memberships for our employees and their families, various one-off and ongoing sporting events such as our weekly 5 aside matches, tennis, darts and foosball tournaments, our renowned Wacky Sports Day and much more.

We also run monthly events that focus on the three main pillars of GroupLife which are: mind, body and work-life balance, and a Global Health & Wellbeing Week which features everything from on-site massages to motivational speakers.

Given the current circumstances, we have had to adapt a lot of our program to suit our current remote workforce:

A suite of webinars covering a number of different topics such as Mental Well-being, Positive Parenting and Meditation for Beginners.

#CoFit19 – A fitness initiative that encouraged our employees to keep active while remote working.

Zoom-In Leadership Talks – A series of talks on everything from Effective Communication to How to shoot high-quality videos with your phone that were delivered by our employees for our employees in order to promote personal development.

Virtual Workplace Well-being Day.

Check out our winning video!

February 15, 2022

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CluneTech Supports Temple Street’s Pet Therapy Program

For the past 6 years and counting we have been proudly sponsoring the Pet Therapy Programme in Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin. This programme helps to provide respite to patients during their stay in Temple Street whilst giving them something to look forward to during the week. We decided to take a trip up to Temple Street to get an insight into the work that these two wonder dogs do for the patients.

Our Engagement and Communications Officer, Rachael O’Shea met the two amazing dogs, Buster and Schui and their owner Jeanette Gregg. Jeanette was a part of a group, the Dublin Dog Training’s in Swords, County Dublin doing obedience training with Buster and Schui when she first got the idea to become a pet therapy dog owner. Jeanette met someone who had a dog in a yellow coat and asked them about it. It was here that Jeanette decided to get involved, she first started working in a nursing home and then later moved onto Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Buster and Schui help to take the children’s minds off the sometimes very difficult situations that they face. These two wonder dogs give both the families and patients something to enjoy and smile about when they arrive each Thursday with their owner Jeanette Gregg and Julie Collins who is a play specialist in Temple Street. It was truly inspiring to see the smiles and joy that these two dogs create and we are delighted to able to sponsor this programme for the past 6 years and hope to continue doing so in the future.

February 15, 2022

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