SSE Airtricity is to create 143 new jobs in Belfast to support its growing energy retail operations in Ireland. The new call centre roles will be in the areas of customer service, sales and administrative support.
The energy supplier currently employs 98 staff in two Belfast offices, and will recruit the additional staff as it centralises its Northern Irish operations in its new corporate premises at Millennium House on Belfast’s Great Victoria Street. It is expected that the company’s current Belfast workforce will relocate to the new premier city centre location in September.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the announcement, saying the 143 jobs would generate an additional £2.6 million a year for the economy.
Invest Northern Ireland offered almost £700,000 of support for the jobs and associated training, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
“The assistance made available through Invest NI’s Skills Growth Programme is a key element in attracting the new jobs to Belfast. The training proposed includes recognised qualifications through City and Guilds and IICM, which will enhance the skills pool in Northern Ireland,” added Ms Foster said.
Stephen Wheeler, SSE Airtricity managing director, said the company chose Northern Ireland because of the "talented, youthful, enthusiastic and capable workforce".
“The support of Invest Northern Ireland will help us to continue to invest in developing our talent pool with both our existing workforce as well as for the new roles that we will create,” he said.
