Member Article

Boldon call centre expansion could offer exit strategy for NPower workers

Boldon-based EC Outsourcing, a call centre specialising in energy and utilities, is planning to recruit 40 telesales advisors, which could come at exactly the right term for those facing potential job losses in the sector and area.

Yesterday it was revealed that the UK arm of NPower’s energy operation could face up to 2500 job losses, up to one fifth of its UK workforce. With the North East in danger of being affected by those cuts, the German-owned energy firm’s Rainton Bridge call centre is one such site potentially in the firing line.

EC Commercial Director Richard Knox explains the impact the cuts may have on the local community.

“The majority of our current staff are either from Sunderland or live in the city and many of them have friends and family who work at the call centre in Rainton, so any future job losses will be felt by many within our business.

“As a business situated close to the NPower site we feel we are in a key position to offer opportunities to those people who are likely to be affected by these potential cuts.”

The sales centre based on Boldon Business Park, which currently employs around 120 staff, have further roles to be filled. After a successful 2015, the business gained 3 new campaigns as well as a new partnership with local energy firm Future Energy.

“The area is a hot bed of sales and contact centre talent and we have built our business around that talent, so the opportunity to work with experienced and knowledgeable people from NPower would add even more quality to our business.

“Being an energy business we feel that the ability to find new employment without having to transition into another industry will lessen the blow for those staff, and allow them to continue working in the energy industry.”

Managing Director, Phil Westoby, who has over 15 years experience in the energy industry, feels that the new roles are well suited to those from Rainton Bridge.

“Employing local people is part of the fabric of our business, and of course seeing so many job losses anywhere in the North East is something we hate to see, and something which must be difficult for everyone concerned. We are just pleased that there is an opportunity for those at NPower to come an join us at our time of growth.”