September 2010

Jobs joy for Wearside - Hundreds of jobs are set for Sunderland.

Call centre 2Touch – based at Doxford International Business Park – announced today it is breaking the economic trend and is starting the search for 200 extra sales staff to cope with soaring demand.

2Touch boss Stuart Gray said part of the reason they were able to grow so well was the fact the company's staff were providing a renowned service. He said: "At a time when many companies are looking to cut costs and restructure, we are in the very fortunate position of being able to offer well-paying jobs to a large number of people.

"We are delighted to be able to do this and recognise the importance of these new jobs to the North East. Many of our clients are based outside of the region and we know that they are very impressed by the attitude, enthusiasm and ability to deliver results of our staff."

Gary Hutchinson, chair of the North East Chamber of Commerce Sunderland committee, said the move was a big boost to the business credentials of the city.

Mr Hutchinson said: "The news that another national brand is to place confidence in Sunderland with the creation of a further 200 jobs is excellent news, strengthening its position as a major employer within the city. This builds on the success of Doxford International as a leading UK location for call centres and associated businesses and I wish them every success."

Doxford's Coun Elizabeth Gibson described the announcement as "absolutely brilliant."

She said: "It is great news. I am so pleased for the area and for the people who are going to work there."

And 2Touch says it will offer industry-busting salaries to get the best people possible, in full and part-time roles.

Mr Gray said: "We are offering a basic starting salary of £14,620, which is up from the previous £13,650, rising to £17,550 after two years.

"While we are predominantly looking for full-time staff, we most definitely do want to hear from people who would prefer part-time work, as we feel the jobs are ideal for people requiring flexible working."

And as well as sales staff, the company is also looking for people with management and team-coaching experience – as well as people who are ambitious and willing to learn.

Mr Gray added: "While sales experience would be an asset, the company is keen to identify people who are ambitious, good communicators and listeners and have outgoing personalities."

"We will provide all the training and support that is required to make sure they are very well prepared for the job."

The outbound sales call centre adviser posts see workers act as an initial point of contact for potential customers and the role includes identifying customer needs, promoting appropriate products and services and attaining customer commitment as well as sales closure.

Today's news comes almost a year to the day since 2Touch announced plans to recruit another 200 staff.