Customer Services Firm Creates 160 Jobs In Clydebank

13 December 2016, 11:15 | Updated: 13 December 2016, 12:43

A customer services firm is to invest £2 million in its operations, creating up to 160 jobs.

Ascensos is launching a new site in Clydebank as part of a multi-million pound expansion in West Dunbartonshire.

The company, which manages customer services for retail brands such as Karen Millen, Argos and Boohoo.com, has leased and refurbished an old contact centre for Clydesdale Bank, backed by a £250,000 Scottish Enterprise regional selective assistance grant.

The expansion is said to safeguard a further 300 jobs from a previous service provider, with the transfer of jobs to Ascensos occurring in late October of this year.

The firm, which is based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, recently secured a long-term, multi-million pound contract with B&Q to look after its UK customer service channels.

It has also acquired 100% share capital of a Dutch contact centre business with operations in The Netherlands and Romania, allowing it to expand its multilingual portfolio.

John Devlin, chief executive of Ascensos, said: "2016 has been a very exciting and successful year for us. We continue to develop our business at a remarkable pace and scale.

"To facilitate this growth we are delighted to be expanding our Scottish operations with our new centre in Clydebank and we are very grateful for the level of support provided by Scottish Enterprise.

"Clydebank will be a key location for us in the coming years and we have been highly encouraged by the skills, quality and calibre of the local workforce.''

Business minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "This expansion will be a very welcome boost for both Clydebank and Scotland, especially as we approach the festive period.

"It is hugely encouraging to see a Scottish company, with an impressive range of clients already, invest in a local area and be able to expand into an international market also.

"I am sure that Ascensos will see great success as they grow even further and I wish them and all their existing and new employees all the best for the future.''

Adrian Gillespie, managing director of growth companies, innovation and infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise, said: "We are delighted to support Ascensos as it expands and that our investment will help the company create more jobs in Clydebank.

"This marks an exciting time for the business, with the landmark move to new premises and the promising opportunities ahead.''