IT and software group opens regional innovation hub in Manchester

Carlton Hopper

International IT and software specialist GFT is opening a regional centre in Manchester, initially creating 100 jobs with the option to add more as the operation scales up.

The group said the expansion is in response to customers requiring personal access to its experts, rather than through remote means, following an increase in video conferencing during the pandemic.

It said: “In the age of constant online video meetings, clients value having access to local technical specialists to innovate and solve problems face-to-face.”

To better support this demand, GFT is establishing several regional customer innovation facilities across the UK. The new hubs will serve clients in the financial services, insurance and manufacturing sectors.

The first hub is in Spinningfields, the corporate epicentre of Manchester, and will be operational from September 6.

GFT UK managing director, Carlton Hopper, said: “I believe the new GFT regional customer innovation hubs will enable us to help more clients to achieve their technology modernisation objectives quickly and confidently.

“We are on an aggressive recruitment drive to support rising client demand. Manchester, here we come. Keep watching, there’s more to share.”

Christopher Ortiz, group chief executive, global markets and region manager APAC & UK, said: “We are always looking to be close to our customers.

“We want to be by their side through every important IT decision. How better to achieve this than by making the team far more accessible.”

He added: “The past year has presented many challenges to us all, but we have learnt and adapted to new collaborative ways of working. The regional office expansion will further enhance our flexible, hybrid working model. The result will be a more positive work/life balance for all.”

Founded in 1987 and now located in 16 countries to ensure close proximity to its clients, GFT employs more than 7,000 experts worldwide.

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