Amidst recession and job losses, Indian call centre major Firstsource has brought cheer in north-east England by announcing plans to set up a centre in Middlesbrough with 500 new jobs.
The announcement comes soon after the region’s biggest contact centre operator, Garlands, collapse, where more than 1,100 workers were rendered jobless. Firstsource’s decision to move into the region was made after it was promised a £1.9-million grant from regional development agency, One North East, secured with help from Newcastle-based corporate finance specialist firm.
Managing Director of Firstsource, Matthew Vallance, said, “We are delighted that the latest phase of our UK expansion will be located in Middlesbrough that promises to be a highly favourable location for us. Our UK business is continuing to show robust growth and the new Middlesbrough centre will complement our existing UK and international operations.”
The company, based in Mumbai, has its UK base in London and currently employs 2,000 people in Northern Ireland. 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.”