Jobs boost for Glasgow as mobile phone firm Three expands city operation

Oct 21 2012

MOBILE phone company Three is to create 380 jobs in Scotland's largest city.

The new posts will be in customer sales and support and will almost double the number of people already employed at the firm's facility in St Vincent Street, Glasgow.

They will be supported by £1.8 million of funding from Scottish Enterprise.

Three's UK chief executive Dave Dyson said the city's "can-do" attitude makes it a natural choice for the expansion.

Mr Dyson said: "As the UK's fastest growing mobile company, we are experiencing a surge in demand for smartphones and a network that delivers a great internet experience.

"We have ambitious plans for growth and the expanded team in Scotland has a huge role to play in realising them. Glasgow's can-do attitude has made it a natural choice."

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "We're delighted to have been a part of bringing this investment to Scotland.

"It's testament to the quality and skills available here, and I'm particularly pleased that this decision will open up new employment opportunities suitable for young people.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Hutchison Whampoa in Hong Kong, and with the Three management team in Glasgow, to support them as they expand their operations in Scotland."

The announcement follows discussions between the First Minister and Canning Fok, group managing director of Hutchison Whampoa Limited (Three's parent company) during Alex Salmond's visit to Hong Kong last December.

Many of the jobs will be suitable for young people and Mr Salmond has confirmed that £270,000 of funding from Skills Development Scotland has been put in place to support a range of training opportunities for the new employees.

Mr Salmond said: "Three is a flagship company in telecommunications, with extensive global operations and already a significant presence in Scotland. I am delighted they plan further investment and job creation in the city, delivering a great boost for Glasgow and the wider Scottish economy.

"The company's announcement of this new investment in Scotland is a strong reflection on the success of its current operations and its recognition of the skills of the local workforce.

"Jobs and economic growth are this government's top priorities and announcements such as this one today goes to prove Scotland is open for business."