Global tech players to create 1,000 West Midlands jobs
More than 1,000 tech jobs are set to be created in the West Midlands, as a result of a significant investment from five companies.
Version 1, Petalite, Novocomms Group, Aubay and Primacy revealed the announcement this afternoon during Global West Midlands: The Tech That Makes Tomorrow Work” – a dedicated event hosted by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) at Birmingham Tech Week 2023.
Irish global digital transformation partner, Version 1, unveiled plans to scale up its operations in the region, creating around 500 jobs in Birmingham as well as creating a technology hub in 2024.
Following the success of its existing Early Academy programmes which focus on upskilling individuals interested in a career in technology, Version 1 will start two new academies in Birmingham in the second quarter of next year.
Wireless communication specialist Novocomms Group will create 300 jobs in Birmingham over the next three years through its launch of a new smart city services provider. The group’s expertise in antenna technology will be bolstered by smart solutions focusing on cities, agriculture, ports, healthcare, transportation and grids.
With a strong background in international corporate development, M&A, capital markets and business operations, Johann Tse has been named as the company’s Chief Executive, with experienced industry veteran, Dr Colin Tucker, joining as Chair. Dr Tucker previously held prominent positions at a number of major telecom companies, including Orange and Hutchison 3G.
Petalite, a Birmingham-based electric vehicle charging firm will grow its team by 100 staff by 2026, with roles available in engineering and business operations. The expansion will follow the completion of its Series A funding round, which is expected to happen by the end of the year.
French-owned IT management company Aubay Group, is also gearing up to grow its team by up to 100 people in Solihull. With roles from development to project management, the expansion will support the firm in providing its services to a major banking client and other financial services / FinTech and energy firms.
Primacy, a Singapore-based regulatory tech company which expanded into Birmingham last year, has announced the development of a new ESG Centre of Excellence (CoE). The partnership with the University of Birmingham will create up to 30 jobs over the next two years. As well as providing professional and financial services to inform responsible business practices, the initiative will include the co-development of a Youth Education Centre to train the next generation of ESG warriors.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “These tremendous investments reinforce our region’s status as a destination of choice for ambitious companies across a wide range of sectors. What they all have in common is a commitment to nurturing innovation and a determination to drive business growth.
“My thanks to Version 1, Petalite, Novocomms Group, Aubay and Primacy for their vote of confidence in us. They will help the West Midlands to realise its potential to be a ‘science and technology superpower’ – equipping local people with the skills they need to succeed and generating the high quality jobs of the future in the months and years ahead.”
Neil Rami, Chief Executive at the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) said: “These investment wins come hot on the heels of record FDI figures for the West Midlands during 2022/23 – where WMGC also had its most successful year yet – and are testament to the market-leading support we provide to investors. We’re excited to be playing a leading role in the development of a brand-new international strategy for the region, which will enable us to attract a bigger share of the UK’s FDI while ensuring that established investors have everything they need to continue growing and thriving here.”
Tom O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer at Version 1 said: “We are very happy with our decision to increase our presence in Birmingham with the creation of another 500 jobs. Our work with organisations in the West Midlands area has grown considerably in recent years, so this local expansion will allow us to embed our presence and continue to service the evolving needs of both our current and future clients.
“The technology talent in this region is impressive and has been a key factor in our decision, along with the support provided by the West Midlands Growth Company, who provided dedicated account management and made valuable introductions to the WMCA to support our expansion. Our team here is exceptional and makes a significant contribution to the wider Version 1 business as we continue to grow throughout the world.”
