Call centre firm brings 500 jobs to Middlesbrough
An Indian-based telecoms firm has begun recruiting 500 people for a new call centre in Middlesbrough.
Earlier this year Firstsource announced plans to set up in a renovated building at Fountain Court in the town.
The company, which also has offices in Northern Ireland, has received a grant of almost £2m from regional development agency One North East.
In May almost 360 people lost their jobs when rival call centre firm Garlands went into administration.
Matthew Vallance, joint managing director of Firstsource, said: "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.
"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 and talent."
One North East chief executive, Alan Clarke, added: "This is a real vote of confidence in the North East economy.
"I am delighted we have been able to support this investment, which has been supported closely by public sector partners to ensure the firm has everything it needs to establish this facility in the Tees Valley."