Highlands and Islands Workforce Attracting Global Interest From Business Services Sector

6th June 2012

With business service companies actively recruiting across the region the Head of Inward Investment at Highlands and Islands Enterprise says that the skills and reputation of the region's workforce is attracting strong interest from global investors.

Following last week's announcement of a further 30 jobs in Moray with Capita, Sensée, which is the leading UK-based provider of employed home-based advisers for contact centres, is hoping to fill 45 positions from across the region. Further global companies including Vertex, Capgemini and Atos are also recruiting.

The agency's Head of Inward Investment, Alison Wilson, said: "Of over 50 investment enquiries HIE is dealing with just now more than 30% are in the business services sector. This interest is coming both from firms already operating in the Highlands and Islands who are planning expansion and from new investors considering a move into the region.

"HIE has been working directly with the industry for many years, supporting business growth, leadership and skills training, and piloting innovative working models. This work is seeing results, and our businesses' award winning reputation in customer care and for delivering exceptional returns for their clients is bringing real investment to the area."

The sector offers career paths across a diverse range of specialisms including retail, finance, IT, legal and medical. HIE is collating a skills register to highlight the region's talent and to keep its members informed of new opportunities in the sector.

Alison added: "We are seeing considerable potential for further growth in the pipeline and with that in mind we have created the skills register. We are calling for those with relevant skills to sign up. The data will allow us to demonstrate the skills and expertise available here and to secure valuable work for the Highlands and Islands."

For more information on the skills register see www.hie.co.uk/skillsregister