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French software leader expands to North East creating 50 new jobs

One of Europe’s leading software consultancies has chosen the North East as the location to launch its first UK site, creating at least 50 jobs along the way.

Infotel UK, a subsidiary of Infotel SA (France) listed on the Euronext Paris Exchange, is opening a UK branch in North Shields to coincide with the firm’s official UK launch in March, which is set to deliver a major boost to the region’s local economy.

With around 20 offices across Europe and North America along with partner sites in four additional continents, Infotel SA works with blue chip clients across the world including European Patent Office, PSA Peugeot Citroen, EDF, Orange, Nestle and Barclays.

The company delivers bespoke software and application development in sectors such as aviation, banking, finances, automotive and public sector.

The move to open a UK based site has been prompted by increasing interest in the company’s services from new and existing clients with a UK base who have previously considered Infotel but expressed a desire for a local site as opposed to off-shore alternatives.

Eric Fabretti, director of commercial activity, based at Infotel SA said: “We are delighted to be opening an office in the UK and the North East is the ideal location given the region’s impressive technology sector and skills base, which we know first-hand from previous collaboration with software experts in the area.

“From our research, we know that blue chip clients want a reputable and experienced partner with a global footprint. However, with a tougher economic environment, they need such a service in a cost effective manner and from a partner on their doorstep, which is what we are bringing to the table with this launch.

“We expect to create 50 new jobs based on the current opportunities we are pursuing and if our new venture goes to plan in terms of growth potential, this could lead to hundreds of jobs over the next few years.”

Established in 1979, Infotel SA supports clients with the design, development, implementation and ongoing support of software applications that support ‘big data’ across multiple platforms.

With around 1,700 employees worldwide, the data solutions company with turnover 157M euros. Infotel SA has also worked with the likes of Air France KLM and banking giant BNP Paribas.

Mr Fabretti added: “Our launch will no doubt attract interest from multinational UK-based companies, large organisations and government departments, all keen to benefit from our proven expertise in a highly specialised field.”