Tesco Bank, the personal finance unit of the UK-based retailer Tesco, is creating 1,000 new jobs in Newcastle following a decision to establish a customer service centre in the city. Recruitment will start early next year with the first 500 roles to be created by the end of 2010.
The new centre will be based at Quorum Business Park, Newcastle and will manage customer sales and service for Tesco Bank’s home and motor insurance customers. The roles are being created as part of Tesco Bank’s general insurance partnership with Fortis UK, announced in June.
Tesco Bank’s decision to locate the centre in Newcastle is a boost to the ongoing regeneration of the city and was supported by a grant of nearly GBP2m from the regional development agency for North East England, One North East.
Peter Mandelson, Business Secretary, said: “I welcome this decision and I am proud of the government support that has helped make it happen. The jobs created by this investment will be invaluable to the North East, and to the wider UK economy. It is hugely encouraging that Tesco has chosen to invest here. The range of government support available is ensuring that people and businesses get the help they need to create new jobs across the whole of the country.”
Andrew Higginson, chairman of Tesco Bank, said: “Tesco is building a different kind of bank – one that listens to customers, offers simple and transparent products and rewards loyalty. This new customer service centre will help us provide our banking and insurance customers with the same great service they have come to expect in our stores. It is an important step forward for the business and will support our ambitions to bring great value new insurance products to many more customers.”
Benny Higgins, CEO of Tesco Bank, said: “Newcastle is the ideal home for our new insurance customer service centre. The North East of England has strong experience in customer services and the financial sector, with a well qualified and enthusiastic workforce. The city is a great fit for our business and as it develops we will be investing even more in the region over the coming years.”
