SME services provider to recruit 150 staff as businesses embark on road to recovery

Verastar, the Manchester-based small business service provider, will recruit up to 150 staff this year as it prepares to support customers during their recovery from the pandemic.

With a core customer base of small business owners in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors, Verastar is targeting the new hires to deliver on its significant growth plans and ensure customers have the essential tools they need to thrive as the economy bounces back.

Verastar provides water, energy, telecoms, broadband, mobile, insurance and payments services to more than 160,000 small businesses in the UK.

It operates several customer-facing brands including kinex, Clear Business, Inspire Payments and The Insurance Octopus.

The company will be recruiting across its sales, customer service, marketing and IT departments, with up to 100 roles being created in Manchester and 50 at its Scottish base in Rutherglen, near Glasgow.

At least 10 additional roles are set to be created through Verastar’s successful business graduate scheme, with applications opening from May.

Verastar Group announced the appointment of former TalkTalk managing director, Lee Hull, as CEO in October 2020.

Hull said: “As the Government eases restrictions, businesses of all kinds are sure to see an increase in activity.

“We’ve been working incredibly hard to support the UK high street and hospitality during the pandemic and we’re here to support them as they begin to recover.

“Alongside the pandemic recovery we’re working flat out on the roll-out of full fibre broadband, equipping small businesses with the connectivity they need to thrive as part of a modern economy.

“This project presents a significant opportunity for Verastar and we’ll need the right people on the bus to continue to deliver a great service for our customers.”

Verastar’s base is in Sale, with 600 colleagues currently based at the head office.

Hull added: “Manchester is a brilliant place to do business. The city region is developing at pace and there is a rich and diverse talent pool, whether you’re looking for graduates, apprentices, or more experienced individuals. It’s just a great place to find great people.”

Founded in 1998, Verastar Group employs nearly 900 people and achieved a turnover of £183m in the financial year ending April 2020.