Last updated at 16:39, Tuesday, 04 September 2012

TWENTY five new jobs are to be created at a Cumbrian call centre.

Barrhead Travel opened in Barrow in May and took on 40 people made redundant when Cumbria Cruises closed.

Now the firm, which has opened 11 new branches in the past 12 months, has created more jobs in its Emlyn Hughes House-based call centre.

The company has been named as one of the UK’s best companies to work for three years running, and is creating a further 50 jobs across the company.

Sharon Munro, chief executive, said: “2012 has been a good year for the business, with substantial growth and new store openings creating a number of new sales and support roles across the country, including 25 new positions at our Cumbria call centre.

“The economic climate remains challenging for the travel industry, but our commitment to providing customers with choice, flexibility and best value has enabled us to continue with our ambitious growth strategy.”

Barrhead Travel was founded in Glasgow by Bill Munro, now chairman of the firm, in 1975 and is now Scotland’s largest independent travel group.

Furness Enterprise played a vital role in encouraging the company to set up in Barrow.

Stuart Klosinski, Furness Enterprise industrial development manager, said: “Coming on top of the first batch of jobs in May, this is excellent news.

“Not only does it bring more jobs into the Hindpool and Central wards – two of the areas with the highest unemployment in the town centre – but it shows the value of attracting investment into the area.

“We will look at helping the company access funding for up-skilling the workforce.

“Hopefully, they’ll take part in our jobs fair on September 14.”

At the centre’s official opening in May, Mr Munro said praised Furness Enterprise and former Barrow Borough Council chief executive Tom Campbell for helping the company set up in Barrow and added: “The support we have had has really made this happen. It was quite difficult and at times we thought we may have to give up.”

First published at 16:16, Tuesday, 04 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk