FIRSTSOURCE, a global business that already employs 500 people in Middlesbrough, is planning to create up to 200 more jobs this year after relocating to a new office space.

Firstsource started migrating its operations from Fountain Court to new offices in the flagship Centre Square development. The set up and migration of its operations and support colleagues is set to be completed by later this week.

Firstsource currently employs 27,000 people across UK, US, India and the Philippines. The company is a leading provider of business process solutions. In the UK, Firstsource services clients across Banking and Financial Services, Communications, Media and Technology, and emerging segments.

Simon Hunter, Head of UK Operations at Firstsource, confirmed that following the move it is planning to recruit around 200 people, as Middlesbrough is key to Firstsource's growth. Even after it has filled three floors of the award-winning 1 Centre Square - Firstsource's expansion in the area is likely to continue.

Mr Hunter said: “We’ve firmly got eyes on growth in Middlesbrough, and this heralds an exciting stage for both Firstsource and the communities where we’re creating jobs.

“Firstsource has had an operation in Middlesbrough for more than 10 years and is a place that we call home.” He added: “It’s been great to be able to provide opportunities over the last decade and continue to do so going forward. We’re proud to be here, creating jobs and we’re grateful of the commitment that the people of Middlesbrough give back to Firstsource.

“Making our workspaces the best they can be for our staff is a key priority for Firstsource, especially after the disruptions of the past year and this building ticked all the boxes,” he said. “Brand new, good facilities, lots of meeting rooms, training rooms and plenty of open space.”

Senior HR Adviser Jennifer Taylor, said: “A lot of developments outside town centres are great and have fantastic facilities, but they’re not always the best for public transport. But because this office space is located in the centre, people can get to us easily. That’s especially important because people work different shifts in our line of work. It’s also really good to have all the facilities and amenities of the town on your doorstep.”

Firstsource is one of four employers moving into new Centre Square offices. Pension firm XPS says it is also planning to recruit additional staff with is move to 2 Centre Square.

The Centre Square project was launched more than five years ago, after a study by the Centre for Cities think-tank found that Middlesbrough was missing out on well-paid so-called 'knowledge intensive business jobs' compared to places like Leeds.

The Centre for Cities research has consistently shown that an increased concentration of these types of jobs in the centres of towns and cities has led to increased levels of innovation, productivity and additional economic activity.

Mark Ashall, the director of Centre Square’s developer Ashall Projects, said: “It is extremely satisfying to see these great businesses move into Centre Square and immediately announce that they’re going to create more jobs.

“Despite the pandemic and despite the government’s decision not to choose Middlesbrough for the Treasury North jobs, Centre Square has created a real momentum and we mustn’t let it slip.”