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

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CluneTech Recognized as an Employer Supporting Parents with Children

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CluneTech Celebrates a Decade of Excellence as One of Ireland’s Best Workplaces

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CluneTech Secures Five Golds at the Career Show Awards

Monday, September 14th, 2026. CluneTech has achieved its strongest performance to date at the Career Show Awards in Bulgaria, securing five gold awards across employer, workplace and leadership categories.

The company received Gold in all five categories it entered, recognising its approach to employee engagement, benefits, social responsibility and support for employees:

• Best Employer in Fintech

• CSR Strategy

• Employee Benefits Strategy

• Young Parents Support Programme

• Employee Engagement Events

CluneTech Named Best Employer in Fintech

CluneTech was recognised as Best Employer in Fintech in Bulgaria for its comprehensive approach to employee experience, combining flexibility, wellbeing, professional development and recognition.

In 2025, 88% of employees in Bulgaria worked remotely or in a hybrid model, 95% of managers were promoted internally, and employees had access to more than 750 learning opportunities through the company’s WeLearn platform. CluneTech also continued to invest in inclusion, family support and community engagement, with 40 team-building events, 37 charitable and volunteering initiatives and more than 850 hours of volunteering throughout the past year. These efforts contributed to strong employee engagement, with 89% of employees saying they are proud to work for the company.

Two More Awards for CluneTech’s Fintua

In addition, Vesselina Marinova, Head of Operations & Senior Product Manager at CluneTech’s Fintua, received Gold for Best Manager and Bronze for Workplace Leader, recognising her more than 25 years of contribution to Fintua’s growth and development.

Vesselina has played a key role in building Fintua’s operational foundations and driving its digital transformation, including the introduction of automation and AI-powered solutions that have significantly improved operational efficiency. Today, she leads more than 150 specialists across multiple operational and business functions.

Celebrating Continued Recognition

Together, these awards represent CluneTech’s most successful showing at the Career Show Awards to date, following the company’s rise to No. 14 in the Career Show Best Employers of Bulgaria Index this year.

The winners will be celebrated at the Career Show Awards ceremony at Arena Sofia on 5 October 2026.

CluneTech’s continued recognition in Bulgaria reflects its focus on creating a supportive and engaging workplace while investing in employee development, wellbeing, inclusion and meaningful workplace experiences.

September 14, 2026

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10 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Margaret Corrigan

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

This month we caught up with CluneTech's Chief Information Security Officer, Margaret Corrigan who has been on our team for the last 10 years.

What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech?

It may sound like a cliché, but the people here genuinely make a real difference. I have the opportunity to work across IT and all of the businesses, and what stands out most is the willingness of everyone to collaborate and work together to achieve the best possible outcome for the organization.

That collaborative spirit extends to the Senior Management team, whose accessibility, support, and ability to make timely decisions play a crucial role in enabling progress. There is a strong culture of open communication and development of a “One Team” mentality. Having people work with you and not against is certainly one of my CluneTech favourites!

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

My biggest achievement since joining CluneTech has been recruiting a strong team of information security and data protection expertise, and collectively they have helped to build a strong culture of information security awareness across the business. I am extremely proud of my team and how, together with IT, we have significantly improved the organization's overall security posture. It has been a collective effort, and seeing the positive impact of that work has been incredibly rewarding.

One of the highlights has been watching colleagues confidently identify and report suspected phishing emails, or proactively reach out to the team to validate new solutions and ensure they are secure before implementation. Seeing security become part of everyday decision-making, rather than an afterthought, has been a real milestone. It demonstrates that security is now viewed as a shared responsibility across the organization, and knowing that my team and I have helped foster that mindset is something I am particularly proud of.

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

The biggest change I have witnessed during my time here has been the remarkable pace of growth across the business and the technology transformation that has supported it. The adoption of AWS has provided the scalability, resilience, and agility needed to enable expansion, while more recent advancements in AI are creating new opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation across the organization. The businesses are constantly evolving which certainly makes it an interesting place to work.

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

One of the greatest challenges I faced during my time with CluneTech was preparing the organization for compliance with the GDPR legislation in less than four months. Having successfully achieved ISO 27001 certification in February 2018, we then had to rapidly shift our focus to ensuring the business was ready for GDPR by the May 2018 enforcement deadline.

The key to our success was taking a structured and pragmatic approach. We conducted a comprehensive gap analysis to identify where we stood against the GDPR requirements, prioritized the areas of greatest risk and impact, and developed a focused action plan with clear ownership and milestones.

Success was only possible through strong collaboration between the Information Security team, IT, and business subject matter experts across the organization. By working together, maintaining open communication, and staying focused on our priorities, we achieved compliance within the required timeframe.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

It’s difficult to choose just one project, as I've been fortunate to work on so many rewarding initiatives over my CluneTech years. However, my very first project to implement an information security system and achieve ISO27001 certification will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I was new to the company, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was overwhelmed by the level of support I received from colleagues across IT, the wider business, and the Senior Management team. There was a genuine sense that everyone understood the importance of what we were trying to achieve and was willing to contribute. It really felt like we were all leading the charge together.

That experience set the tone for everything that followed. It reinforced the collaborative culture of the organization and showed me that when people work together with a shared purpose, you can achieve great things. Looking back, it wasn't just a memorable project—it was the beginning of a journey that has been both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

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

My advice to someone just starting their career would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. As the business continues to expand, there are plenty of opportunities to take on new challenges, broaden your experience, and develop your skills. Make the most of the support available, whether that's through training, mentoring, or learning from the experienced people around you.

Apply yourself fully to your role. Over time, you'll discover the aspects of your work that you genuinely enjoy and those that come most naturally to you. Once you've identified those strengths and interests, look for opportunities to develop them further. Building a career is a journey, and being proactive, open to learning, and willing to step outside your comfort zone will help you make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

August 5, 2026

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WeCan and TransferMate Win Silver at the 2026 eir business Chambers Ireland Awards

Tuesday, June 30th, 2026. WeCan, an initiative by CluneTech, and CluneTech subsidiary TransferMate have been recognised with Silver Awards at the 2026 eir business Chambers Ireland Awards.

The eir business Chambers Ireland Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across Ireland's business community, recognising organisations that are making a meaningful impact across a range of sectors. The awards were presented at a gala ceremony held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Friday, June 26th, 2026.

This year's awards attracted a record number of entries, reflecting the continued strength and innovation of Ireland's business community.

WeCan received the Silver Award for Community Impact / CSR Initiative of the Year in recognition of its innovative approach to combining environmental action with social inclusion. Leveraging Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme, in partnership with SOS Kilkenny, the initiative has created opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities while supporting Ireland's sustainability goals.

Alongside WeCan's success, CluneTech subsidiary TransferMate received the Silver Award in the FinTech Company of the Year category, recognising its continued innovation and leadership in global B2B payments.

L-R: TransferMate's Jefferson Lima, Business Development Manager and James Tuohy, Business Analyst.


Speaking on WeCan's recognition, CluneTech Founder and CEO, Terry Clune said:

"We are absolutely delighted to see WeCan recognised with the Silver Award for Community Impact / CSR Initiative of the Year at the eir business Chambers Ireland Awards. What started as a small idea has grown into something that's making a real difference in our community, and that's something we're incredibly proud of.

I want to sincerely thank our team, our exclusive partners at SOS Kilkenny, and the many businesses who have supported WeCan. This recognition belongs to everyone who has helped make the initiative what it is today. Since its launch, WeCan has not only helped protect the environment but has also empowered adults with intellectual disabilities to gain meaningful employment. I'm excited to see it continue to grow and create even more opportunities for our communities in the years ahead."


Reflecting on TransferMate's award, he said:

"I'm also delighted to see TransferMate recognised with the Silver Award for FinTech Company of the Year. It's a fantastic achievement for the team and a reflection of the work they do every day and their continued innovation, ambition and commitment to delivering for customers around the world. To see both WeCan and TransferMate recognised on the same night makes it an especially proud moment for everyone across CluneTech."


John McCarthy, WeCan Project Lead, added:

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from Chambers Ireland. At its core, WeCan is about people. It's about creating opportunities, building connections and making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work.

This award reflects the passion and commitment of so many people across CluneTech, along with the schools, charities and community organisations we've had the privilege to work alongside. Every initiative is driven by people who genuinely want to make a difference, and that's what makes WeCan so special. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together so far, and this recognition inspires us to keep building on that success.”


The latest recognition builds on a growing list of accolades for WeCan. In 2025, the initiative was named Community Programme of the Year at the Sustainable Business Impact Awards and received the Pakman Award for Best Deposit Return Scheme Initiative in 2024, where it was recognised ahead of leading industry names including Coca-Cola and Lidl.

Working in partnership with the Work4Life Employment Support team at SOS Kilkenny CLG, WeCan continues to create meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities while demonstrating how businesses can drive both environmental and social impact.

About WeCan

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

About TransferMate

TransferMate is a leading provider of embedded B2B payments technology, helping companies, software providers & financial institutions to streamline their global receivables, payments, & local account needs. TransferMate owns the largest E-Money/payment license network among fintechs, regulated in 93 jurisdictions and holding 100 licenses.

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 and 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 conducts business in more than 100 countries on a daily basis. The group has offices in 21 countries and employs over 1,200 people globally. CluneTech encompasses a diverse range of companies, including TransferMate, Fintua, Sprintax, Benamic and more.

About the eir business Chambers Ireland Awards

The eir business Chambers Ireland Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across Ireland's business community. Organised by Chambers Ireland, the awards recognise organisations that demonstrate outstanding achievement across a wide range of categories spanning strategy, culture, market impact, technology and community engagement.

For more information, contact:

Lauren Cleere
Marketing and Communications Manager, CluneTech
Lauren.Cleere@clunetech.com

June 30, 2026

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5 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Yoanna Lyubenova

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 Sprintax's US Tax and Payroll Expert, Yoanna Lyubenova who has been on our team for the last 5 years.

Favourite thing about working in CluneTech

My favorite thing about the company is the team I work with, who supports me, and the freedom we are given to offer ideas and be innovative in what we do.

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

My biggest achievement is the fact that I started working in the company while I was still a student and managed to continuously learn, improve and take on new responsibilities in my role. As a highlight, I would probably say the fact that I started my journey on becoming an IRS enrolled agent.

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

The biggest change so far has been the growth of our team. When I came, there were only 5 of us, now we’ve expanded, and continue to grow. Over time, we’ve been granted more responsibilities which allow us to learn new stuff and give us an opportunity for carrier development.

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

Talking in front of an audience – all introverts will understand. I was super concerned and overwhelmed by the fact that I will be onboarding new clients and making calls with already existing partners. I just decided I’ll continue challenging myself until I felt comfortable doing it. Over time, it indeed started becoming easier and easier to do it daily.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

Our partnership with FIFA on World Cup 2026.

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

My advice is – try socializing with as many people as possible. Everyone here has unique knowledge and skills, so you can learn something useful from everyone. Being reliable - consistently meeting commitments builds trust faster than occasional standout achievements. Focus on learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

June 24, 2026

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25 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Louise Coleman

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

This month we caught up with CluneTech's Payment Authoriser, Louise Coleman who has been on our team for the last 25 years.

Favourite thing about working in CluneTech
#OneTeam - working in shared services allows you to work with people from each entity. This in turn leads to versatility where no two days are the same!

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech?
Reaching 25 years 😊

Who has inspired you the most during your time here?
The commitment and consistency of the leadership team, in particular Terry, who demonstrates exceptional innovation and leadership which has led to the incredible growth of the company. From winning the EY Entrepreneur of the year to the Outstanding Achievement Award at the national Fintech Awards 2025, just reflects the drive and continued ambition to grow and expand the business. There are also many employees in both Ireland and Bulgaria who have been with the group for many years, which is a testament to the culture and leadership that have been developed.

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?
Expansion! When I started in Eden Quay, in a small office, there was approx. 20 people working on Taxback or ESS Tax Refunds as it was known back then. To have witnessed and been involved in many aspects of the business over the years, and see it grow to the incredible Group it is today, has been amazing.

Also the move from Dublin to Kilkenny was a pretty big change back in 2003!

What has been the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?
The move to remote working during Covid – to no longer be in the office environment with daily support of team around you and adapt to working more individually. During this time, lockdown in particular, lead to a sense of guilt for working and not spending time with a 2 year old who was home all day, or a sense of guilt for spending time with my 2 year old and not being at the desk. It took some time to get the balance right but once things settled down, it became the best possible outcome and hard to imagine a full week in the office now!

What has been your favourite project to work on?
I have been involved in Company Secretarial role for the group for a number of years, and have really enjoyed getting more involved in this space. Having had the opportunity to complete a course with Law Society of Ireland recently, it has provided a comprehensive understanding of the company law framework and key corporate governance, which has been great to apply to everyday company secretarial tasks.

Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech?
Embrace change – there have been numerous changes over the years and while they may appear challenging at the beginning, from my experience, most change is for the better in the long run.

May 29, 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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Changing Industries and Starting a Career in Tech

In the latest episode of CluneTech’s Career Blitz Series, we sat down with Zhana Dimitrova, a Tech Coordinator at TransferMate, who shared her experience of changing industries and starting a career in tech.

After deciding to explore a new career direction, Zhana came across a remote Tech Coordinator opportunity at TransferMate. Although she was initially unsure about applying, she recognised that her existing skills matched the requirements of the role and decided to take the opportunity. Almost a year later, she shares how the role has helped her develop a broader understanding of technology, systems and business processes.

For Zhana, joining TransferMate meant stepping into a new industry and exploring a role that brought together many of the skills she already had. With thorough training and support from the company, she has developed the technical knowledge needed to grow and succeed in the role.

Zhana’s journey shows that a career in tech can begin from many different starting points. By recognising her transferable skills, embracing a new industry and staying open to learning, she found an opportunity to build a new career path.

Watch Zhana’s full story in this episode of CluneTech's Career Blitz series to learn more about her journey, her role as a Tech Coordinator and her advice for anyone considering a career in tech.

September 10, 2026

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10 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Margaret Corrigan

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

This month we caught up with CluneTech's Chief Information Security Officer, Margaret Corrigan who has been on our team for the last 10 years.

What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech?

It may sound like a cliché, but the people here genuinely make a real difference. I have the opportunity to work across IT and all of the businesses, and what stands out most is the willingness of everyone to collaborate and work together to achieve the best possible outcome for the organization.

That collaborative spirit extends to the Senior Management team, whose accessibility, support, and ability to make timely decisions play a crucial role in enabling progress. There is a strong culture of open communication and development of a “One Team” mentality. Having people work with you and not against is certainly one of my CluneTech favourites!

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

My biggest achievement since joining CluneTech has been recruiting a strong team of information security and data protection expertise, and collectively they have helped to build a strong culture of information security awareness across the business. I am extremely proud of my team and how, together with IT, we have significantly improved the organization's overall security posture. It has been a collective effort, and seeing the positive impact of that work has been incredibly rewarding.

One of the highlights has been watching colleagues confidently identify and report suspected phishing emails, or proactively reach out to the team to validate new solutions and ensure they are secure before implementation. Seeing security become part of everyday decision-making, rather than an afterthought, has been a real milestone. It demonstrates that security is now viewed as a shared responsibility across the organization, and knowing that my team and I have helped foster that mindset is something I am particularly proud of.

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

The biggest change I have witnessed during my time here has been the remarkable pace of growth across the business and the technology transformation that has supported it. The adoption of AWS has provided the scalability, resilience, and agility needed to enable expansion, while more recent advancements in AI are creating new opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation across the organization. The businesses are constantly evolving which certainly makes it an interesting place to work.

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

One of the greatest challenges I faced during my time with CluneTech was preparing the organization for compliance with the GDPR legislation in less than four months. Having successfully achieved ISO 27001 certification in February 2018, we then had to rapidly shift our focus to ensuring the business was ready for GDPR by the May 2018 enforcement deadline.

The key to our success was taking a structured and pragmatic approach. We conducted a comprehensive gap analysis to identify where we stood against the GDPR requirements, prioritized the areas of greatest risk and impact, and developed a focused action plan with clear ownership and milestones.

Success was only possible through strong collaboration between the Information Security team, IT, and business subject matter experts across the organization. By working together, maintaining open communication, and staying focused on our priorities, we achieved compliance within the required timeframe.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

It’s difficult to choose just one project, as I've been fortunate to work on so many rewarding initiatives over my CluneTech years. However, my very first project to implement an information security system and achieve ISO27001 certification will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I was new to the company, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was overwhelmed by the level of support I received from colleagues across IT, the wider business, and the Senior Management team. There was a genuine sense that everyone understood the importance of what we were trying to achieve and was willing to contribute. It really felt like we were all leading the charge together.

That experience set the tone for everything that followed. It reinforced the collaborative culture of the organization and showed me that when people work together with a shared purpose, you can achieve great things. Looking back, it wasn't just a memorable project—it was the beginning of a journey that has been both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

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

My advice to someone just starting their career would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. As the business continues to expand, there are plenty of opportunities to take on new challenges, broaden your experience, and develop your skills. Make the most of the support available, whether that's through training, mentoring, or learning from the experienced people around you.

Apply yourself fully to your role. Over time, you'll discover the aspects of your work that you genuinely enjoy and those that come most naturally to you. Once you've identified those strengths and interests, look for opportunities to develop them further. Building a career is a journey, and being proactive, open to learning, and willing to step outside your comfort zone will help you make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

August 5, 2026

Read MORE

5 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Yoanna Lyubenova

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 Sprintax's US Tax and Payroll Expert, Yoanna Lyubenova who has been on our team for the last 5 years.

Favourite thing about working in CluneTech

My favorite thing about the company is the team I work with, who supports me, and the freedom we are given to offer ideas and be innovative in what we do.

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

My biggest achievement is the fact that I started working in the company while I was still a student and managed to continuously learn, improve and take on new responsibilities in my role. As a highlight, I would probably say the fact that I started my journey on becoming an IRS enrolled agent.

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

The biggest change so far has been the growth of our team. When I came, there were only 5 of us, now we’ve expanded, and continue to grow. Over time, we’ve been granted more responsibilities which allow us to learn new stuff and give us an opportunity for carrier development.

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

Talking in front of an audience – all introverts will understand. I was super concerned and overwhelmed by the fact that I will be onboarding new clients and making calls with already existing partners. I just decided I’ll continue challenging myself until I felt comfortable doing it. Over time, it indeed started becoming easier and easier to do it daily.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

Our partnership with FIFA on World Cup 2026.

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

My advice is – try socializing with as many people as possible. Everyone here has unique knowledge and skills, so you can learn something useful from everyone. Being reliable - consistently meeting commitments builds trust faster than occasional standout achievements. Focus on learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

June 24, 2026

Read MORE

25 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Louise Coleman

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

This month we caught up with CluneTech's Payment Authoriser, Louise Coleman who has been on our team for the last 25 years.

Favourite thing about working in CluneTech
#OneTeam - working in shared services allows you to work with people from each entity. This in turn leads to versatility where no two days are the same!

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech?
Reaching 25 years 😊

Who has inspired you the most during your time here?
The commitment and consistency of the leadership team, in particular Terry, who demonstrates exceptional innovation and leadership which has led to the incredible growth of the company. From winning the EY Entrepreneur of the year to the Outstanding Achievement Award at the national Fintech Awards 2025, just reflects the drive and continued ambition to grow and expand the business. There are also many employees in both Ireland and Bulgaria who have been with the group for many years, which is a testament to the culture and leadership that have been developed.

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?
Expansion! When I started in Eden Quay, in a small office, there was approx. 20 people working on Taxback or ESS Tax Refunds as it was known back then. To have witnessed and been involved in many aspects of the business over the years, and see it grow to the incredible Group it is today, has been amazing.

Also the move from Dublin to Kilkenny was a pretty big change back in 2003!

What has been the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?
The move to remote working during Covid – to no longer be in the office environment with daily support of team around you and adapt to working more individually. During this time, lockdown in particular, lead to a sense of guilt for working and not spending time with a 2 year old who was home all day, or a sense of guilt for spending time with my 2 year old and not being at the desk. It took some time to get the balance right but once things settled down, it became the best possible outcome and hard to imagine a full week in the office now!

What has been your favourite project to work on?
I have been involved in Company Secretarial role for the group for a number of years, and have really enjoyed getting more involved in this space. Having had the opportunity to complete a course with Law Society of Ireland recently, it has provided a comprehensive understanding of the company law framework and key corporate governance, which has been great to apply to everyday company secretarial tasks.

Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech?
Embrace change – there have been numerous changes over the years and while they may appear challenging at the beginning, from my experience, most change is for the better in the long run.

May 29, 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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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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CluneTech Cares Third Quarter Recap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


August CSR Spotlight: Supporting Animal Welfare

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

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

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

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

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

September’s CSR Spotlight: World Suicide Awareness

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

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

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

‘Let's Clean Bulgaria Together’ Initiative 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Principal Robbie Byrne shared:

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

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

CluneTech continues its support for the I Want a Baby Foundation

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

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

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

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


Gavroche Association: Empowering Youth Through Legal Education

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

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

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

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

CluneTech Cares: Supporting Young Racer Adam Butler

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

Volunteering at CluneTech

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

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

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

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

Team Victory for CluneTech at the Mount Juliet Corporate Invitational

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

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

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

July 14, 2025

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Introducing WeCan, a CluneTech initiative

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

How does it work?

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

WeCan ..

Provides adults with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment  

Drives participation in the deposit return scheme        

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

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

Advocates for an inclusive society    

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

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

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

July 14, 2025

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

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

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

Petya shares her experience:

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

 

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

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

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

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CluneTech supports the Center for Medical and Social Care for Children in Varna, Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech sponsor Kilkenny’s first Padel Tennis Court

July 14, 2025

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CluneTech Cares Spotlight on Autism Awareness with CluneTech Facilities Manager, John McCarthy and his son Adam

Our CSR Programme - CluneTech Cares, is a fantastic representation of what we are - a team of truly caring individuals giving our best to support and add value, not only to our customers, but also to the communities in which we operate.

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

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

July 14, 2025

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10 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Margaret Corrigan

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

This month we caught up with CluneTech's Chief Information Security Officer, Margaret Corrigan who has been on our team for the last 10 years.

What is your favorite thing about working in CluneTech?

It may sound like a cliché, but the people here genuinely make a real difference. I have the opportunity to work across IT and all of the businesses, and what stands out most is the willingness of everyone to collaborate and work together to achieve the best possible outcome for the organization.

That collaborative spirit extends to the Senior Management team, whose accessibility, support, and ability to make timely decisions play a crucial role in enabling progress. There is a strong culture of open communication and development of a “One Team” mentality. Having people work with you and not against is certainly one of my CluneTech favourites!

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

My biggest achievement since joining CluneTech has been recruiting a strong team of information security and data protection expertise, and collectively they have helped to build a strong culture of information security awareness across the business. I am extremely proud of my team and how, together with IT, we have significantly improved the organization's overall security posture. It has been a collective effort, and seeing the positive impact of that work has been incredibly rewarding.

One of the highlights has been watching colleagues confidently identify and report suspected phishing emails, or proactively reach out to the team to validate new solutions and ensure they are secure before implementation. Seeing security become part of everyday decision-making, rather than an afterthought, has been a real milestone. It demonstrates that security is now viewed as a shared responsibility across the organization, and knowing that my team and I have helped foster that mindset is something I am particularly proud of.

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

The biggest change I have witnessed during my time here has been the remarkable pace of growth across the business and the technology transformation that has supported it. The adoption of AWS has provided the scalability, resilience, and agility needed to enable expansion, while more recent advancements in AI are creating new opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation across the organization. The businesses are constantly evolving which certainly makes it an interesting place to work.

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

One of the greatest challenges I faced during my time with CluneTech was preparing the organization for compliance with the GDPR legislation in less than four months. Having successfully achieved ISO 27001 certification in February 2018, we then had to rapidly shift our focus to ensuring the business was ready for GDPR by the May 2018 enforcement deadline.

The key to our success was taking a structured and pragmatic approach. We conducted a comprehensive gap analysis to identify where we stood against the GDPR requirements, prioritized the areas of greatest risk and impact, and developed a focused action plan with clear ownership and milestones.

Success was only possible through strong collaboration between the Information Security team, IT, and business subject matter experts across the organization. By working together, maintaining open communication, and staying focused on our priorities, we achieved compliance within the required timeframe.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

It’s difficult to choose just one project, as I've been fortunate to work on so many rewarding initiatives over my CluneTech years. However, my very first project to implement an information security system and achieve ISO27001 certification will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I was new to the company, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was overwhelmed by the level of support I received from colleagues across IT, the wider business, and the Senior Management team. There was a genuine sense that everyone understood the importance of what we were trying to achieve and was willing to contribute. It really felt like we were all leading the charge together.

That experience set the tone for everything that followed. It reinforced the collaborative culture of the organization and showed me that when people work together with a shared purpose, you can achieve great things. Looking back, it wasn't just a memorable project—it was the beginning of a journey that has been both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

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

My advice to someone just starting their career would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. As the business continues to expand, there are plenty of opportunities to take on new challenges, broaden your experience, and develop your skills. Make the most of the support available, whether that's through training, mentoring, or learning from the experienced people around you.

Apply yourself fully to your role. Over time, you'll discover the aspects of your work that you genuinely enjoy and those that come most naturally to you. Once you've identified those strengths and interests, look for opportunities to develop them further. Building a career is a journey, and being proactive, open to learning, and willing to step outside your comfort zone will help you make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

August 5, 2026

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CluneTech Cares Second Quarter Recap 2026

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

As sustainability continues to be a key pillar of our CSR programme, CluneTech Cares, we were delighted to once again celebrate #CluneTechGoesGreen throughout April, marking World Earth Day by encouraging our people to make a positive impact on both our community and the environment.

This year, we hosted a Clothing Drive at our Kilkenny HQ in aid of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP). Colleagues were invited to donate clean, reusable clothing, helping to reduce textile waste while supporting individuals and families in need within our local community.

The clothing drive took place alongside our April Pre-Pay Day Lunch, making it easy for colleagues to get involved by bringing along a donation while enjoying lunch together.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our team, we collected an amazing 25 bags of clothing, all of which have now been delivered to St. Vincent de Paul. These donations will make a meaningful difference to local people and families while promoting more sustainable habits across CluneTech.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated and supported the initiative. We'd also like to give a special mention to Johnny Caldwell, Gary McCarthy, Jamie Hogan, and our Great Place to Work representatives Kaylyn Burke and Muireann McMahon, who kindly helped transport all of the donations to SVP.

It was fantastic to see so many colleagues getting involved and supporting this year's #CluneTechGoesGreen initiative. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success and for continuing to demonstrate CluneTech's commitment to sustainability and giving back to our communities.

 

 

 

May's CSR Spotlight: World MS Day

In honour of World MS Day, CluneTech Cares dedicated May's CSR spotlight to supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis and raising awareness of the challenges faced by individuals and families living with MS.

This year, we proudly hosted the CluneTech Goals for Good football match at The Watershed, bringing teammates together for an afternoon of sport, teamwork and community spirit. The event was organised to raise both funds and awareness for World MS Day, reinforcing CluneTech's commitment to supporting meaningful causes through our CSR programme.

It was fantastic to see colleagues come together, whether playing on the pitch or cheering from the sidelines, to support this important initiative. The enthusiasm, team spirit and generosity shown throughout the event made it a great success.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported the event and helped raise awareness for World MS Day. Your involvement continues to demonstrate the values at the heart of CluneTech Cares and the positive impact we can make when we come together for a good cause.

 

 

 

June's CSR Spotlight: Pride Month

This June, CluneTech Cares proudly celebrated Pride Month, recognising and supporting the LGBTQ+ community while promoting inclusion, respect and belonging across our teams.

Throughout the month, colleagues came together to take part in a range of Pride-themed activities across our offices. One of the highlights was our Pride Rowathon Challenge at Kilkenny HQ, where teams competed in a fun and energetic rowing challenge in support of a great cause. It was fantastic to see so many colleagues getting involved, creating an incredible atmosphere filled with team spirit and friendly competition.

Congratulations to James Tuohy and Maeve Mansfield, who achieved the best team score of 4,904 metres during the 10-minute challenge. A special mention also goes to Kevin O'Connell, whose determination and sense of humour earned him a well-deserved prize after completing his row in a pair of jeans!

To round off the celebrations, we hosted an LGBTQ+ webinar, both in person and virtually, giving colleagues across all of our locations the opportunity to come together, listen, learn and celebrate Pride. Meanwhile, our Dublin HQ marked the occasion with a Pride-themed Pre-Pay Day Lunch, helping to spread the celebrations across our offices.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part throughout the month. Whether you participated in the Rowathon, attended the webinar, joined our Pride celebrations or showed your support in other ways, your involvement helped make Pride Month a meaningful celebration of diversity, inclusion and community across CluneTech.

 

 

CluneTech Volunteers Support Varna Zoo

This June, CluneTech employees took part in their first volunteering initiative at Varna Zoo, dedicating their CSR day to supporting one of the city’s most beloved attractions.

Our team of six volunteers spent the day cleaning and refreshing several areas of the zoo, helping to create a more welcoming environment for both visitors and animals. They also had the opportunity to assist with feeding and caring for some of the zoo’s residents, gaining first-hand insight into the important work carried out by the zoo’s staff.

Established in 1961, Varna Zoo spans 23 decares and is home to more than 400 animals from 60 different species. Welcoming over 150,000 visitors annually, it plays an important role in education, conservation, and animal welfare within the local community.

 

 

 

 

The 8th Edition of CluneTech’s Career Counselling Programme Wraps Up

Another group of young economics students has successfully completed CluneTech’s Career Counselling Programme, held in Varna, Bulgaria.

Our year-long high school programme is designed to help young people develop the skills they need to make the most of their career exploration, job search, and application journey. With the support of recruitment professionals, managers and guest lecturers, students learn how to create impactful CVs and video resumes, prepare for job interviews, and identify the most relevant opportunities on the job market.

Alongside our internship and graduate initiatives, the Career Counselling Programme reflects our ongoing commitment to local communities and our belief in supporting young talent by offering opportunities to learn and grow in an innovative and collaborative environment.

 

 

 

 

Driving the Future of Women in STEM with F1 in Schools

CluneTech was proud to support this year's F1 in Schools (STEM Racing) programme, an inspiring initiative that encourages young people to develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through innovation, teamwork and creativity.

Ahead of the national finals in Kinsale, we welcomed the participating teams from Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny to CluneTech, where they presented their projects and showcased the months of work that had gone into designing, engineering and promoting their race cars. It was a fantastic opportunity for our team to learn more about each project and witness firsthand the creativity, professionalism and determination of these talented young students.

We would also like to recognise their teacher, Anthony Mulvihill, whose dedication and guidance helped prepare the students throughout the competition. His commitment to encouraging young people to pursue STEM opportunities played a key role in the success of the programme.

CluneTech was delighted to support the teams on their journey to the national competition as part of our commitment to encouraging more young women to pursue opportunities in STEM.

We were thrilled to see the students perform so well at the STEM Racing National Finals, with Treoluas Racing securing an outstanding second-place finish. Congratulations to all of the students who represented Loreto Secondary School in Kinsale. Their hard work, teamwork and innovation were evident throughout the competition, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements.

We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of female innovators, engineers and leaders.

 

EmpowerHer Expands with Complimentary Period Products in Our Bulgarian Offices

We’re delighted to share that, as part of EmpowerHer - CluneTech’s women’s empowerment programme, complimentary sanitary products are now available in our offices in Varna and Veliko Tarnovo.

The products have been carefully selected and are supplied by sustainable period care brands. Made from organic, non-toxic, non-bleached cotton, they also support meaningful causes, with every purchase contributing to initiatives such as SOS Children’s Villages and Trees for the Future.

Launched earlier this year, the EmpowerHer programme aims to support female employees through the various stages of their lives, fostering a workplace where they can thrive and successfully balance their professional and personal aspirations.

 

 

Supporting the Next Generation of Cyclists: Opening the 2026 Cycling Season with CluneTech and Tarnovo Runs

At CluneTech, we continue to promote a passion for cycling and safe riding practices. During the opening of the 2026 Cycling Season, the non-profit organization Tarnovo Runs, with the support of CluneTech, provided young cyclists with gifts and essential safety equipment. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to encouraging active lifestyles among children and young people while fostering a culture of responsibility and safety on the road.

 
Founded in Veliko Tarnovo, Tarnovo Runs is the only one active community organizations in Bulgaria that promotes healthy lifestyles, cycling, and outdoor activities. For more than 10 years, the organization has been building a strong cycling culture and active community through over 1,200 free events, including bike rides, running sessions, family festivals, yoga activities, and educational programs. Tarnovo Runs has organized more than 100 free cycling events in Veliko Tarnovo alone, inspiring thousands of people across Bulgaria to embrace cycling as a healthy, social, and sustainable way of life.

From the birthplace of Bulgarian cycling to the international stage, Veliko Tarnovo celebrated another historic moment in May 2026 Veliko Tarnovo proudly welcomed one of the world’s most prestigious cycling events as Stage 2 of the Giro d’Italia finished in the historic Bulgarian capital. As part of Grande Partenza (Grand Start) hosted by Bulgaria the legendary race brought the world’s elite cyclists to the city, placing Veliko Tarnovo on the international sporting  stage. The event marked a historic moment for Bulgarian cycling and further strengthened Veliko Tarnovo’s reputation as a leading destination for active tourism.

 

Celebrating Kilkenny District Soccer League's All-Ireland Champions

We were delighted to welcome members of the Kilkenny District Soccer League U14 team to CluneTech, where they proudly brought along the All-Ireland Cup trophy following their fantastic victory in the final at the University of Limerick.

Successfully defending their title as reigning champions is an outstanding achievement and reflects the hard work, talent and dedication of both the players and their coaching team. Congratulations to everyone involved on this incredible success!

Following their visit, attention turned to the 2026 Gaynor Cup, where another talented Kilkenny District Soccer League squad proudly represented their clubs, league and county on the national stage at the University of Limerick. CluneTech was proud to support these young players throughout their journey and celebrate another exciting chapter for the league.

Congratulations once again to the U14 All-Ireland champions, and well done to everyone who represented Kilkenny District Soccer League at this year's Gaynor Cup. We look forward to following many more successes in the future!

 

 

Game, Set and Match at Kilkenny County & City Lawn Tennis Club

As proud sponsors of the Kilkenny Singles League, CluneTech was delighted to attend this year's finals at Kilkenny County & City Lawn Tennis Club and experience the fantastic atmosphere firsthand.

From the first serve to the final point, the competition showcased the talent, commitment and community spirit that make the club such an important part of the local sporting community. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the players, volunteers, coaches and club members whose passion and dedication continue to drive the success of the club both on and off the court.

At CluneTech, we believe local sports clubs play a vital role in bringing people together, creating opportunities and strengthening communities. We are proud to support Kilkenny County & City Lawn Tennis Club and the valuable work they do year after year.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year's Kilkenny Singles League, and thank you to the club for welcoming us along to enjoy an excellent day of tennis. We look forward to continuing our support in the years ahead.

Click the image below to watch the highlights from the day!

 

 

 

 

July 7, 2026

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5 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Yoanna Lyubenova

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 Sprintax's US Tax and Payroll Expert, Yoanna Lyubenova who has been on our team for the last 5 years.

Favourite thing about working in CluneTech

My favorite thing about the company is the team I work with, who supports me, and the freedom we are given to offer ideas and be innovative in what we do.

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

My biggest achievement is the fact that I started working in the company while I was still a student and managed to continuously learn, improve and take on new responsibilities in my role. As a highlight, I would probably say the fact that I started my journey on becoming an IRS enrolled agent.

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

The biggest change so far has been the growth of our team. When I came, there were only 5 of us, now we’ve expanded, and continue to grow. Over time, we’ve been granted more responsibilities which allow us to learn new stuff and give us an opportunity for carrier development.

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

Talking in front of an audience – all introverts will understand. I was super concerned and overwhelmed by the fact that I will be onboarding new clients and making calls with already existing partners. I just decided I’ll continue challenging myself until I felt comfortable doing it. Over time, it indeed started becoming easier and easier to do it daily.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

Our partnership with FIFA on World Cup 2026.

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

My advice is – try socializing with as many people as possible. Everyone here has unique knowledge and skills, so you can learn something useful from everyone. Being reliable - consistently meeting commitments builds trust faster than occasional standout achievements. Focus on learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

June 24, 2026

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25 Years at CluneTech - Interview with Louise Coleman

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

This month we caught up with CluneTech's Payment Authoriser, Louise Coleman who has been on our team for the last 25 years.

Favourite thing about working in CluneTech
#OneTeam - working in shared services allows you to work with people from each entity. This in turn leads to versatility where no two days are the same!

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight since joining CluneTech?
Reaching 25 years 😊

Who has inspired you the most during your time here?
The commitment and consistency of the leadership team, in particular Terry, who demonstrates exceptional innovation and leadership which has led to the incredible growth of the company. From winning the EY Entrepreneur of the year to the Outstanding Achievement Award at the national Fintech Awards 2025, just reflects the drive and continued ambition to grow and expand the business. There are also many employees in both Ireland and Bulgaria who have been with the group for many years, which is a testament to the culture and leadership that have been developed.

What is the biggest change that you have witnessed in your time here?
Expansion! When I started in Eden Quay, in a small office, there was approx. 20 people working on Taxback or ESS Tax Refunds as it was known back then. To have witnessed and been involved in many aspects of the business over the years, and see it grow to the incredible Group it is today, has been amazing.

Also the move from Dublin to Kilkenny was a pretty big change back in 2003!

What has been the greatest challenge that you have faced in your time here and how did you overcome it?
The move to remote working during Covid – to no longer be in the office environment with daily support of team around you and adapt to working more individually. During this time, lockdown in particular, lead to a sense of guilt for working and not spending time with a 2 year old who was home all day, or a sense of guilt for spending time with my 2 year old and not being at the desk. It took some time to get the balance right but once things settled down, it became the best possible outcome and hard to imagine a full week in the office now!

What has been your favourite project to work on?
I have been involved in Company Secretarial role for the group for a number of years, and have really enjoyed getting more involved in this space. Having had the opportunity to complete a course with Law Society of Ireland recently, it has provided a comprehensive understanding of the company law framework and key corporate governance, which has been great to apply to everyday company secretarial tasks.

Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting their career in CluneTech?
Embrace change – there have been numerous changes over the years and while they may appear challenging at the beginning, from my experience, most change is for the better in the long run.

May 29, 2026

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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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Taxback Group Becomes CluneTech

February 15, 2022

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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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