Jarrow wins India call base

Nov 8 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

UP to 500 jobs will be created on Tyneside as an Indian telecoms firm expands its UK operations.

Tech Mahindra will open a base in South Tyneside which will generate hundreds of posts.

Development agency One North East has given the firm a £2m grant to bring the contact centre to Jarrow.

The company, which is working in partnership with BT, will be advertising for call centre staff and IT workers.

Over five years 500 jobs are expected to be created at the centre in the Viking Business Park. South Tyneside Council leader Coun Iain Malcolm said: “We knew when BT announced its presence in such a major contract for South Tyneside it would act as a magnet for further investment.

“The fact that BT has been able to help attract Tech Mahindra alongside to support their investment demonstrates the confidence, worldwide significance and massive potential that this partnership brings.

“We are delighted to welcome Tech Mahindra in a move which now brings an injection of confidence to both ends of the South Tyneside Riverside.”

It is thought the company’s decision to expand in the North East was sparked by support from South Tyneside Council.

Vice-president of strategic initiatives at the company Mahesh Nagaraj said: “South Tyneside was chosen as the location for the expansion based on a critical evaluation process and the key parameter that shifted the balance was the support from the council’s executive management team. This centre will be a showcase for Tech Mahindra’s services in the UK and European public sector space and will be involved in delivering a number of business-critical services.

“The centre is expected not only to generate direct local employment but also provide a boost to local business.”

The move is likely to lift the local economy as South Tyneside’s regeneration programme gathers pace.

Chairman of One North East Margaret Fay said: “This is tremendous news for South Tyneside and the wider region.

“To attract a global sector leader like Tech Mahindra demonstrates confidence from the company in the skills of the North East workforce and its reputation for excellence and commitment.

“The announcement of this inward investment success and valuable new jobs it will create comes at an exciting time for South Tyneside and its ongoing riverside regeneration programme to bring further opportunities and prosperity to the area.”