Plusnet to create 250 new jobs with launch of second office
BROADBAND and phone provider Plusnet is set to create at least 250 new jobs as it announces plans to open a second office in Leeds.
The new city centre site, set to open in October, is currently undergoing a £2m refurbishment to make the building purpose-designed for Plusnet, which will be the single tenant of the 32,000 sq ft building.
Working in partnership with Leeds and Partners, the decision to open a second office in Leeds signals continued investment in the Yorkshire region. The new jobs will be created across two Yorkshire-located sites over the next three years.
Plusnet’s other site and head office is based in Sheffield and employs around 850 people. The company is the UK’s third fastest internet services provider, (ISP) and expects to have 1,100 people in employment across the two sites by 2016.
Jamie Ford, CEO of Plusnet, said: “By the end of March 2014, we aim to have up to 100 people working from the Leeds site, largely within customer operations. Sheffield will remain our flagship building and our only 24/7 operation for the time being. The intention is that both sites will grow over the coming years.
“The new building gives us extra resilience as a business and I am happy that this site reaffirms Plusnet’s commitment to Yorkshire.”
Plusnet said by locating its second office outside of Sheffield, it will ensure business continuity in case of emergency situations such as power outage and severe weather conditions.
Leeds and Partners will be working with Plusnet on plans to launch the new office.
Lurene Joseph, chief executive of Leeds and Partners, said: “We are delighted to be working with Plusnet, whose decision to expand their business with a second site in Leeds is a fantastic coup for the city.
“Plusnet recognises that there is a rich talent pool in Leeds and took this into account when making their decision.
“As part of our overall approach to inward investment, Leeds and Partners aims to understand the business needs of companies locating in the city, in order to support a sustainable business model. We are committed to working with the universities and colleges in Leeds, to meet the needs of Plusnet’s growing business.”
Plusnet, which was launched in 1997, will also be introducing an apprenticeship scheme across both sites. The scheme will begin in November in Sheffield and towards the start of 2014 in Leeds with six places available focusing on customer service.
Mr Ford said: “Plusnet is committed to finding new talent and nurturing this within a commercial environment. We have made some strong relationships in higher education in Sheffield and are looking forward to now extending these relationships within Leeds.”
