Spooks equipment firm selects Stoke

A HIGH security surveillance industry firm has moved into new headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent – a move which should see more than 30 jobs created over the next three years.

Observation 247, which was originally founded by three brothers and a friend all from the military, provides professional 24 hour surveillance for the hospitality industry along with specialist covert surveillance services.

The company has moved into new premises in Longton following support from the Make It Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Inward Investment Service.

Observation 247, which currently employs five staff, is looking to expand over the next three years increasing its workforce six-fold and is already working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council Jobs Enterprise and Training (JET) service to make this happen.

There are also plans to create several new jobs for wounded in action soldiers who will operate the specialist 24 hour alarm response centre.

Becci Wilcock, operations director of Observation 247, said: “We decided to locate in Stoke-on-Trent because it was a central location from which to operate. Also, the support received from the Make It Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Inward Investment Service convinced us of our potential for growth in the area.”

Councillor Mark Meredith Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for economic development, added: “Our inward investment service is supported by both the city council and Staffordshire County Council in partnership.

“Together we are helping businesses looking to expand or relocate in our area at every step of the business growth process. We are rolling out the ‘red carpet’ treatment.”