Co-op announces 100 new jobs for Walsall with energy business growth

MIDCOUNTIES Co-operative has announced a significant investment in Walsall in a move that will see the creation of 100 new customer service jobs.

The jobs are intended to support the Co-op’s domestic energy supply business. The investment will also see the re-opening of the society’s offices in Hatherton Road.

The jobs boost is a welcome announcement for the town, which was reeling last week when emergency repairs group HomeServe revealed it would be axing 300 posts – 162 in Walsall – due to an expected decline in customer numbers over the next few years.
 
The society said the success of Co-operative Energy, which supplies gas and electricity to more than 100,000 households, would see the new jobs created at premises in Bloxwich Road, which will become operational next month.

Bloxwich Road is currently home to a Midcounties administrative support team of 30, who will move back to Hatherton Road.

Ben Reid, chief executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “The success of Co-operative Energy is enabling us to invest further in Walsall, a trading heartland, where we already have a major travel agency business, funeral homes and pharmacies.

“Since we launched in 2011 to provide a co-operative alternative to the ‘Big Six’ energy companies the customer base has gone from strength to strength. People have responded positively to our approach to the industry, with a single tariff for everyone.
 
“At a time when the economy continues to be difficult it’s pleasing to be able to announce the creation of new jobs.”

The news also follows the creation of 25 jobs at a new Midcounties convenience food store in Walsall Wood earlier this month.