Call centre project welcomed

The project aims to attract more call-centres to the region

An initiative to attract more call centre firms to the North West has been welcomed by the government.

The three-year project CallNorthWest (CNW) aims to attract companies to the region by offering employers help and advice on training and development.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said it is "great news" helping to make the industry competitive.

The North West has one of the highest concentration of call centres in the UK, employing about 146,000 people.

Employees at the region's 650 call centres total more than 4% of the local working population.

Speaking at the JJB Stadium in Wigan, where the initiative was launched, Mrs Hewitt said: "The North West boasts some of the best customer service professionals in the world and has one of the highest concentration of call centres in the UK.

"The project is great news for the region and will help this vibrant sector to a bright future by making it as competitive as possible."