A TECHNOLOGY firm has shunned London to make the North-East its European stronghold.

Saggezza is moving to Sunderland as it ramps up bold expansion plans.

The firm, which has headquarters in the US, is switching to the city’s Software Centre.

It will create an initial 15 jobs, but bosses hinted to The Northern Echo the number will rise significantly.

The company helps firms target specific customers by using their data to tailor traditional mail drops and online messages, such as bank statements to highlight mortgage opportunities for house buyers.

Its move to the region is backed by Sunderland City Council and support organisation Sunderland Software City, and Martin Williams, managing director of Saggezza UK, said it was lured by the area’s knowledgeable workforce.

He said: “We looked at Sunderland because there is an abundance of skilled people here we want to tap into.

“It has the right support network, as well as links to universities and the infrastructure to spur on our development.

“We have 15 people at the moment, but are working on plans to increase that.

“We have an office in London, which employs about the same number.

“However, all of the growth and development, and all the techy-people - those that are delivering that work - will be based here in Sunderland.

“The London office will remain, but the focus will be on Sunderland, and we expect it to grow bigger pretty soon.

“We are really happy to be here; everyone has been so supportive and we hope to help make Sunderland more successful.”

Mr Williams also explained how the firm will operate in the city.

He added: “Companies have a lot of data in their day-to-day operations, and we help them look at how they can serve their customers better or make their processes better.

“We help people understand the best way to communicate with their customers and the best way to transfer information to them.

“Rather than having boffins that sit in a room and then coming out with an idea, we are helping people make decisions.”

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said Saggezza’s move was proof of the city’s status as a software hub.

He added: “This proves Sunderland has done all that is necessary to foster the right conditions for businesses in the digital, technology and software realm.

“It’s fantastic the city can now call itself home to a really vibrant IT business.”

Saggezza has another US office in California, with sites in Bangalore and Chennai, in India.