French investor to create 300 new jobs is revealed
SANEF Tolling is the French investor creating 300 new jobs in Yorkshire.
The group has taken space in the St John’s Centre in Leeds, as previously announced by TheBusinessDesk.com last month, and will invest £1m in a customer support arm for its business. The French motorway operator has taken 24,000 sq ft in the building.
There will also be ten apprenticeships created.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, announced the news at the International Economic Conference, the highlight of the Grand Départ International Business Festival, at the Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds.
He also shared news that the figure pushes the total job creation by Leeds and Partners, the organisation responsible for driving foreign direct investment in Leeds and the wider city region, to over 1,000 for an 18 month period.
Sanef’s customer contact centre in Leeds will manage a new payment arrangement being introduced from October, which will improve journeys and reduce congestion at the Dartford Crossing. It is part of the biggest programme of road enhancements since the 1970’s. Instead of stopping at payment booths it will give drivers more flexibility about how and when they pay the charge.
Mr Clegg said: “For generations, Yorkshire has been pushing the boundaries of business innovation. Leeds City Region has the people, the know-how and ideas to help your businesses to get ahead. As a result this region is playing a powerful part in the securing the UK’s recovery.
“Across Yorkshire, growth is rising and unemployment is falling. There are now more people in work in Yorkshire and the Humber than ever before and more young people are starting apprenticeships.”
Charles Hewson, CEO at Sanef operations, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded such a prestigious project and look forward to working on delivering an excellent solution for both the motorist and the Highways Agency. Leeds has been chosen due to its significant experience in contact centre operations along with its highly skilled and educated work force and I truly believe this is the start of a long term and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Councillor Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “Job creation is crucial for sustainable economic growth and we have high aspirations in this area, particularly when getting our young people off to a flying start. The apprenticeship programme will give at least ten youngsters a great start in life for 2014 and who knows how many more in the next few years. A further 300 people will enjoy a brand new opportunity with a global employer. What a great win for Leeds alongside the momentous occasion that is the Tour De France.”
Lurene Joseph, CEO of Leeds and Partners, said: “Skilled jobs are the oxygen that fuels the engine of economic growth and to bring about acceleration in the resource pipeline, we have our sights firmly focused on the medium to long-term as we implement an ambitious development programme for the Leeds City Region that will take a series of unique, clearly differentiated propositions to international markets.”
