Partner Article

Call centres take centre stage

The importance of the call centre industry to the region will be the focal point at a major event this week.

The North East Contact Centre Conference is designed to support the growth of one of the area’s most successful industries. It takes place on Wednesday 13 May at St James’ Park with the theme, ‘Meeting the Challenge’. It has been organised by Tyne and Wear Development Company in partnership with regional development agency One North East and the Contact Centre Advisory Board.

55,000 people work in 145 contact centres in the North East with major names such as EDF Energy and More Than basing operations here alongside many local centres.

Paul Buie, manager of Tyne and Wear Development Company, said: “The contact centre industry has developed significantly in recent years and is one of growing strategic importance for the region.

“Like most sectors it is facing challenges in today’s market but the overall outlook is very positive, with opportunities for growth, investment and job creation in the long-term.”

The conference will be hosted by TV presenter Kim Inglis and opened by One North East Chair, Margaret Fay. It will feature a series of workshops for delegates that explore ways of enhancing the customer experience and dealing with stress in the workplace.

It has attracted an impressive list of presenters from the world of business including: Larry Hochman, former director of British Airways; Stephen Parry, former head of strategy and change at Fujitsu; and Angie Court, former customer services director at Avis. Closing the conference will be Nigel Risner, the respected author, television presenter and motivational speaker of the year.

Those wishing to register for the event should call 0191 370 9559 or visit www.contactcentreconference.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .