A further boost to Scotland’s economy was welcomed by First Minister Alex Salmond when he visited Aquira in Glasgow to officially open the Sales Lab and announce a further 220 jobs.
This brings the committed total number of new jobs at direct marketing and data company, Aquira, to 420, after the First Minister announced an initial 200 vacancies in June.
Aquira specialise in helping businesses find profitable new customers, as well as up-sell and cross-sell to existing customers.
Services include a range of integrated and tailored direct marketing services, centred on customer acquisition, high quality managed data solutions, lead generation and end-to-end outsourced sales. These services make use of multiple customer contact channels, such as telemarketing, web, email, social media, rich media and mobile.
Clients include Vodafone and Scottish Power and the company is in advanced discussion with other potential clients.
Officially opening Aquira’s Sales Lab the First Minister said:
“Today Aquira has committed to creating a further 220 jobs, which will bring their total Scottish workforce to 420 and I look forward to continued work with Aquira to grow its presence in Scotland even further.
“The Sales Lab is a fantastic facility, which includes an important training resource allowing Aquira to meet its commitment to give some of Glasgow’s young unemployed a practical and promising career. I’m delighted to announce these further jobs, which demonstrates Aquira’s commitment and confidence in the Scottish workforce and strengthens our position as an attractive country to invest in.
Mark Walton, CEO at Aquira, said the new investment was a reflection of the companies success and “a ringing endorsement of Scotland’s reputation for business and the skills of the local workforce.”
He added: “We have ambitious plans for growth and the expanded team in Glasgow will have a significant part to play in realising them. Our growth plans will also open up exciting employment opportunities for all ages, including young people.
“We believe in the value of recruiting young people and growing their talent for the benefit of the business. That is why we are pleased to launch this new recruitment drive and look forward to helping talented young people into employment.”
Aquira’s original decision to locate the Sales Lab in Glasgow was supported by a £500,000 regional selective assistance (RSA) grant from Scottish Enterprise. An application for further RSA funding to support this latest project is currently being processed.
“This is an excellent example of how RSA funding can help develop businesses based in Scotland,” said Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson. “We’re delighted to see Aquira realising its potential and generating new jobs for Glasgow, and we look forward to working with the company as the business continues to grow.”