Union Insurance calls up job creation in Wakefield
With support from the LEP, Union Insurance has invested £1.4m to launch its first operation outside London at Wakefield 41 Business Park.
With support from the LEP, Union Insurance has invested £1.4m to launch its first operation outside London at Wakefield 41 Business Park.
Growth opportunities in the region
The organisation, which offers insurance policies to members of leading trade unions including Unison, Unite, Usdaw and the GMB, has already recruited around 20 staff from the local area and is recruiting further.
Managing Director Dan Harrison said: “We have been established in London since 2000 and have built up a successful call centre employing around 125 staff. However, it’s difficult to grow our business any further in the capital because of escalating costs, so we wanted a base somewhere else to complement it.”
Inward investment
Union Insurance considered several locations across the UK for its second base but the Leeds City Region had been a clear winner, Mr Harrison said.
“We have received some great support and advice on this journey from the team at the LEP and also Wakefield Council which has been invaluable. We’re really excited about the opportunities this move has given our business and our people and are looking to create more than 100 jobs.”
Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, added: “It’s always really pleasing to see organisations look outside the capital to invest and plan for their futures so we’re obviously delighted to support Union Insurance and help to create jobs in the City Region.”
Local jobs for local people
Mr Harrison added “We’re creating jobs for local people here in Wakefield and the surrounding area and we’re rightly proud of that.”
“We’re committed to career development and creating a fun and vibrant workplace. We’ve already seen people join us who have been out of work for some period of time and it’s fantastic to see them prospering and learning new skills.”