EDF marks milestone in the North East

A North East energy employer is celebrating an anniversary after three decades of growth in the region.

EDF has marked thirty years at its Sunderland regional head office, where it now employs more than 1200 people. 

The Doxford International Business Park site opened in 1995 under London Electricity, three years before EDF acquired the business, and has since grown into the largest of the company’s three UK contact centres, as well as housing representatives from across the business, from marketing and communications to HR and IT teams.

The Sunderland hub has become known for its stability and staff loyalty, with an average employee tenure of eleven and a half years and seven team members who have worked there since opening day. 

Jo Pyburn, residential operational director at EDF (UK) and principal tenant, said: “I’m proud that EDF has maintained a strong and sustainable presence as an employer in the North East for over 30 years. 

“This long-standing commitment reflects our dedication to supporting both our people and the communities we serve.

“Our recognition as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 reinforces our people-first culture and focus on creating an inclusive, supportive environment. 

“At our site, we provide exceptional facilities, including wellbeing services, collaborative workspaces and recreational areas, all designed to enable our teams to thrive.”

 Jo added: “I’m honoured to lead such a talented and dedicated team who consistently strive to deliver outstanding service to our customers. 

“Together, we continue to uphold EDF’s reputation as a trusted energy provider and an employer of choice.”

To mark the occasion, hundreds of employees came together for a company-wide celebration, joined by senior leaders recognising the contribution of teams supporting EDF’s five million UK customers.

Staff and managers from EDF alongside councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, celebrating the company’s 30th year in Sunderland.

Staff enjoyed a nineties-themed event and family dinner, with long-serving colleagues, including Kerry Lawson, Kevin Munday and Paula Jefferson, who have worked from the Sunderland office since it opened its doors.

Kevin, now 59, previously worked for London Electricity in the South before relocating permanently to the North East.

He said: “I’ve loved every minute working here. 

“I’ve made friends for life, worked on some fantastic projects and have a great team around me.

“In fact, I’ve enjoyed it so much that I even encouraged my partner’s daughter to work here, which speaks volumes about how great a place it is to work. 

“They really look after us and are a great company to work for. 

“Here’s hopefully to even more years!”

Representatives from Sunderland City Council’s business investment team also visited the office, reflecting the long-standing partnership between the organisation and the region.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, business and regeneration, added: “It was a privilege to join the EDF team and celebrate 30 years of the company doing business in our city.

“Over the past three decades, the company has continued to invest in its business and people, contributing significantly to our local economy while helping to put Sunderland on the map as one of the UK’s leading contact centre hubs.

“On behalf of Sunderland City Council, I would like to congratulate everyone at EDF Sunderland on this remarkable achievement and thank them for the role they’ve played in shaping what is a fantastic success story for our city.”

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