Call centre expansion will create 1,200 jobs

Spectum 3 in Seaham, where ResQ has moved in.

The positions will be created by ResQ at the Spectrum 3 building in Seaham, which will be full for the first time since it was built on the site of Dawdon Colliery.

The move will help ResQ’s expansion plans, building on its work with existing customers and new contracts.

ResQ chief executive officer Nic Marshall.

It will also see jobs brought back to the UK after they were originally out-sourced.

The family-run company is staying tight-lipped about who the newcomers will be working on behalf of, but says the team will help other business get in touch with customers through direct sales, retain customers and offer support.

Its clients include well-known major companies in the digital, energy, retail and insurance sectors.

Sixty people have already been signed up, with the remainder to join during the next three years.

The new recruits will concentrate on client relations and fill positions in IT, human resources, training and support.

ResQ chief executive officer Nic Marshall said: “Spectrum Business Park and County Durham as a whole offered us the quality of premises we needed for this key expansion of our business, with access to a high quality workforce which was critical in our decision-making process.

“We are delighted to be expanding our operations into the North East.

“Our growth means that County Durham will benefit economically as we create hundreds of jobs in Seaham over the next three years.”

The Hull-based firm, which is already at full-capacity with 670 staff at its HQ, scoured north for a new base and worked closely with Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, to identify suitable premises.

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council cabinet member responsible for regeneration and economic development, said: “ResQ’s expansion into Spectrum Business Park is fantastic news for the local economy and one of the biggest inward investments County Durham has ever seen.

“The high quality premises at Seaham and the skilled and flexible workforce the area has to offer was key to ResQ’s final decision to move to County Durham.”

Paul Wellstead, is the developer of Spectrum Business Park.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome ResQ to Spectrum Business Park and I am certain that their staff will appreciate the high quality of office space that Spectrum offers.”

ResQ has made an application for funding to support new and sustainable jobs in the region.

Recruitment is under way and is being helped by JobCentre Plus with more information available via http://resqcs.co.uk/careers/