New era for call centre (From Western Telegraph)

New era for call centre

Plans to expand Friday-Ad's west Wales operation were announced yesterday (Tuesday) when National Assembly economic development minister Andrew Davies officially opened their new premises on Cleddau Bridge Business Park at Pembroke Dock.

The opening formed part of a twin ceremony when Andrew Smith, Secretary of State for work and pensions, opened the Jobcentre Plus Direct Office, which now occupies the other office block on the Park.

The launch of the new offices, which between them will provide employment for up to 500 people, marked the start of a new era for the prestigious site.

Speaking at the open?ng, chairman of Friday-Ad Chris Kidger, paid tribute to the calibre of the workforce and said their Pembrokeshire facility was so successful it was now an important centre for their UK businesses.

He said they currently employed 136 people in Pembrokeshire, but would be creating more than 60 new jobs over the next few years. "We are absolutely delighted with our experience in Pembrokeshire and intend building on this success," said Mr Kidger.

"Purchasing the Cleddau Bridge offices is a major undertaking for us and demonstrates a firm commitment to growth and expansion in Pembrokeshire aimed at meeting the growing demand for our products.

"The offices in Cleddau Bridge are larger than our current needs dictate but show our commitment to Pembrokeshire and illustrate our intent in developing our business here". The company has been offered a regional selective assistance grant of £750,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government to secure job creation at Pembroke Dock. Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport said: "I am pleased that we have been able to assist this rapidly expanding company through our regional selective assistance grant scheme.