Partner Article

Welcome lift for call centre industry

THE region’s embattled call centre industry has received a major boost with news of a new contact centre on Teesside which will create 500 jobs.

With the sector still reeling from last month’s collapse of Hartlepool-based operator Garlands – and the loss of over 1,000 jobs – the industry has been bolstered by the arrival of Firstsource Solutions into the region.

The business process outsourcing company has announced plans to establish a contact centre at Fountain Court in Middlesbrough town centre to be manned by 500 staff.

“We are delighted that the latest phase of our UK expansion will be located in Middlesbrough which promises to be a highly favourable location for us,” said managing director Matthew Vallance.

“Our UK business is continuing to show robust growth and the new Middlesbrough centre will complement our existing UK and international operations and provide our clients with a greater choice of operational facilities.”

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “It is great news that Firstsource has recognised Middlesbrough as the ideal location for the latest phase in their expansion. The creation of 300 jobs in the first instance, and a further 200 jobs in the future will have a significant impact on the town.

“This is also very welcome in the wake of the loss of more than 1,000 jobs at Garlands, which was a huge blow to the Teesside area. I hope former Garlands employees secure employment through the presence of this new high calibre employer in the area.”

The new roles will be supported by a Grant for Business Investment of almost £1.9m from regional development agency One North East, secured with help from corporate finance specialist unw.

Garlands fell into administration last month after over 20 years of trading, putting the majority of its 1,158 staff redundant.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .