First Derivatives Timeline

First Derivatives Timeline

It is the journey not the destination that matters the most is often quoted but this is certainly the case with Brian and the First Derivatives story. 
 
It is well known that Brian started the company from his mother’s spare bedroom in Newry. But, not as well known that on one occasion in those very early days, long before mobile phones, a German client called his mother’s house requesting to speak to Brian – they were told in no uncertain terms he was unavailable to take the call as he was having a bath. 
 
But from this humble beginning, the journey of FD quickly evolved. As through the growth years thousands of graduates came to Newry for to undertake a training programme which gave the FD team a differentiator over its competitors. Brian invested in his staff which in turn inspired loyalty and this coupled with an ethos of work hard play hard became part of the FD secret sauce. Even as the company grew Brian ensured there was always a family feel to it through his open-door policy.  
 
Success at FD lead to Brian hosting the great and good of local politics, an invitation to the White House on St Patrick’s Day. his receiving off numerous awards and accolades, opening FD offices from New York through to Sydney – the story of Brian and the story of FD certainly was one remarkable journey!
1996
First Derivatives (FD) Founded

Brian creates First Derivatives in the spare bedroom of his mother’s home with seed finance of £5000 from Newry Credit Union

1999
First Derivatives move their HQ

First Derivatives move their HQ from Masters Yard to offices in the Gasworks on the Warrenpoint Road.

2002
First Derivatives Floated on London AIM

With twenty six employees and a turnover of £2m First Derivatives is floated in London on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM)

2007
First Derivatives floats on Dublin Stock Exchange.

 First Derivatives floats on Dublin Stock Exchange

2008
First Derivatives New HQ

First Derivatives opens new Headquarters Building in Newry at Canal Quay

2010
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Brian is awarded Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Later that year Brain goes on to represent Ireland in the World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Monte Carlo.

2011
First Derivatives Opens New York Offices
FD Opens New York Offices in lower Manhattan
2011
Brian invited to the White House and US Chamber of Commerce

Brian as part of the traditional Irish Delegation on St Patrick's Day is invited to the White House for an audience with President Obama. A few nights before Brian is guest speaker at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington promoting NI as a place to do business.

2012
QUB Honorary Doctorate

Queen’s University Belfast confers an honorary Doctorate on Brian for services to Business and Commerce.

2012
Trading Centre at Queen’s University
Advancement Of Education - Brian Conlon Foundation

First Derivatives opens Trading Centre at Queen’s University

2013
Global Centre for Excellence, Sydney

First Derivatives launches Global Centre for Excellence in Sydney, Australia

2015
Belfast Telegraph Business Personality of the Year

Brian becomes the Belfast Telegraph Business Personality of the Year

2018
DNA Digital Award

Brian Conlon awarded DNA Global Recognition Award

2018
Director and AIM Entrepreneur of the Year

The Institute of Directors names Brian Conlon - Director of the Year. In the same year Brian became AIM Entrepreneur of the Year.

2018
First Derivatives reached a remarkable market cap of £1bn

From £5k seed fund from Newry Credit Union in 1996 First Derivatives reached a remarkable market cap of £1bn on the London Stock Exchange.. from small acorns tall oaks do grow!

2018
Second HQ building in Newry

First Derivatives opens a second HQ building in Newry for near-shoring

2019
New Dublin Office

First Derivatives opens a new office in Dublin on Georges Quay with a view of Brian’s beloved Croke Park from the Boardroom Window.

Today
Hometown Of Newry - Supporting Local Communities

Today, First Derivatives is a powerhouse in its industry. It comprises of no less than fifteen offices globally and nearly 3,000 employees. And 450 of those are employed in Newry!

“Brian put the city of Newry on the global map. An inspirational business leader with his heart in Newry”  Paul Convery

Brian In The Media

FIRST DERIVATIVES (PROFILE 2005)

First Derivatives (Profile 2010)

Digital DNA 2013 - Brian Conlon - First Derivatives

Business person of the year: Brian Conlon

Foundation Partners

We can’t achieve our goals alone. Together, with our partners, we aim to create new opportunities and support initiatives that will anchor the pillars of the Foundation and what it aims to carry out.