FIRSTSOURCE TO OPEN NEW CONTACT CENTRE IN MIDDLESBROUGH
Firstsource Solutions, a leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company has announced its intention to establish a contact centre at Fountain Court in Middlesbrough town centre, creating more than 500 jobs.
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.
“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 Matthew Vallance, Managing Director of Firstsource. “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.”
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.”
One North East Director of Business and Industry, Ian Williams, said: “This is a real vote of confidence by Firstsource in the North East economy. They recognise the ability of the Tees Valley’s workforce to provide excellent services for their clients.
“I am delighted that One North East has been able to support this project with finance as well as a great deal of guidance and support from our Investment and Aftercare team. Firstsource has received backing from a range of public sector partners including Tees Valley Unlimited to ensure the firm has everything it needs to establish this facility in the Tees Valley.”
Neil Kenley, Strategic Investment and Marketing Director at Tees Valley Unlimited,, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Firstsource has chosen Middlesbrough to take forward its expansion plans, bringing with it hundreds of jobs and significant investment.
“It’s great news, not only for Middlesbrough but the wider Tees Valley and highlights just how important partnership working is.”
Firstsource, whose global headquarters are in Mumbai, India, is one of the largest investors in the UK economy in the last three years and already has established three centres in Belfast and Londonderry, where the company employs over 1,900 staff. Firstsource’s UK headquarters are in London.
The Grant for Business Investment is part of Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly funded support products offering help to companies to start, grow and succeed. Solutions for Business makes it easier for companies to get the advice and assistance that they need.
For further information on the full package of support, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or Tel: 0845 600 9006.
The Grant for Business Investment (GBI) initiative delivered by One North East is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund 2007-13.
For more information, contact Bryn Littleton (press office) on 0191 2296713 or 07717 468918 or by emailing bryn.littleton@onenortheast.co.uk; Fraida Silver, Marketing Director, Firstsource, 0208 237 4515 or 07824 304348, fraida.silver@firstsource.com ; or Leanne English, Marketing Manager at Tees Valley Unlimited, on 01642 632013/07725 602824 or email leanne.english@teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk