Member Article

Sheffield to see 300 jobs created as London telecoms firm expands

300 Sheffield jobs are set to be created as a major London telecoms firm, XLN, choses the Yorkshire city for a multi-million pound expansion, beating out other Northern rival cities.

Christian Nellemann, founder and chief executive of XLN, which supplies services such as phones, internet and energy to SME’s has acquired a 14,000 square foot site at North Bank in the city centre, and has spent £1 million on its refurbishment.

Sheffield Council hopes to revive the riverside business district and has welcomed the move following the approval of plans for the stalled Kilner Way retail park off Halifax Road, Wadsley Bridge which are expected to create hundreds of jobs.

Recruitment for up to 300 jobs in customer service, account management, technical support, telesales, HR, finance and technical development in Sheffield begins this week.

Reportedly, around 400 could be created if the firm decides to take on a second floor at the site.

Christian Nellemann told The Star: “It was a big decision for us and choosing the right location was paramount for the success of our expansion.

“We had a piece of work done by Deloitte where they looked at cities in the north.

“Sheffield was a really good choice, for us it was a question of transport links and recruitment areas.”

So the fact there are world-class universities in Sheffield is really important, and the fact there are a number of high-profile companies in Sheffield was important.“

“I toured a number of different cities to look at office space, and Sheffield’s had a lot to offer compared to the other cities and the feel of it is great. We are really excited.”

Sheffield Council cabinet member for business, skills and development Coun Leigh Bramall said: “This move is further recognition that the economy is on the up and that Sheffield has a top quality offer when it comes to city centre office space and an excellent workforce.

“I am pleased the team at Creative Sheffield has worked very closely with XLN in recent months to bring this exciting company to the city and create fresh job opportunities for Sheffield people.”

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce executive director Richard Wright said: “It is absolutely superb, just what we need.

“It backs up the digital creative sector we have in the city and is a great message about we are trying to achieve.”

Recruitment open days take place on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm, and Saturday, September 6, from 10am to 3pm at The Crucible theatre.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .