Member Article

Weight Watchers reshoring to create 50 new jobs in Gateshead

Gateshead-based Spark Response, an outsourcer of customer service, has won a contract with Weight Watchers which will create 50 new jobs.

Spark Response will provide multi-channel customer service support to the weight management service provider reshoring its UK customer service operations, which have been based overseas for a number of years.

Managing all customer care on behalf of Weight Watchers, across voice, email and social media channels, will result in the company creating 50 new customer service jobs at its North East contact centre.

Peter Slee, Spark Response managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be appointed by Weight Watchers to manage its customer service operations going forward. There was an instant rapport when we met the team.

“They recognised the fact that our culture and commitment to employee engagement, alongside our retail customer service experience would be a real asset to the business and its customers.

“Bringing its operations back to the UK was a major strategic decision, and we are very much looking forward to working with Weight Watchers to help deliver exceptional service to both meetings and online members.”

Chris Stirk, General Manager Weight Watchers UK, added: “As the world’s leading provider of weight management services, we have a duty of care to provide an unparalleled level of customer service to both our meetings and online members, now more than ever given the obesity crisis facing the UK.

“After reviewing our customer service offering, Spark Response proved the best fit. With strong experience in the retail sector, coupled with a down to earth, empathetic and understanding team, the new contract will not only offer our members a high level of personalised and knowledgeable customer care, it will also provide a boost to the UK job market.”