| Western Isles Scottish Bid For Consumer Direct |
30 September 2003 |
| The Western Isles will be the Scottish representative in a bidding process for a contact centre which could create up to 30 jobs for the Islands. The Western Isles have beaten off five other local authority areas in Scotland already and a decision on the location of the Consumer Direct centre will be made by the DTI following a presentation in London later this month. Edinburgh, West Lothian, Fife, Borders and South Lanarkshire as well as the Western Isles, were all competing to be the Scottish representative for the national consumer helpline. Following a selection process held on 28th September including a presentation by Comhairle Chief Executive and other officers, the panel - made up of key stakeholders including Scottish Consumer Council, Citizens Advice (Scotland) and Trading Standards representatives opted for the Western Isles. The Comhairle’s case emphasised the strong partnership approach and the excellent business facilities available in the Western Isles. Chairman of Sustainable Communities, Cllr. Archie Campbell, said : “To beat off competition from these other areas is an outstanding achievement for the Western Isles and demonstrates the potential the Islands have to fulfill modern business needs and provide a first rate location for the industries of tomorrow. There is still a long way to go in securing the jobs that the contact centre will bring as we are now competing against regions from England and Wales. One thing’s for sure, the Western Isles will put in a strong bid and make every effort to be successful in this next stage. Jobs dispersal is an essential part of strengthening the economy of the Western Isles and I am delighted that the Comhairle was supported in this bid by our Community Planning Partners. WIE and Highlands and Islands Enterprise also backed the Western Isles case for Consumer Direct to be located in the Islands and it is this kind of commitment and working together that will bring increased prosperity for the Islands. I want to particularly congratulate the officers of the Comhairle who put together such a strong case for the Western Isles”. The Government is planning three ‘Pathfinder’ Contact Centres across the country to deal with Consumer enquiries. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
|