The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Utilities Electricity, Gas, Steam And Air Conditioning Supply Electricity, Gas, Steam And Air Conditioning Supply 35 - Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
150 jobs Number of planned job creations
Announcement Date
10 September 2007
Employment effect (start)
11 September 2007
Foreseen end date
30 September 2011
Description
Spark, an energy firm that supplies gas and electricity for domestic and commercial users, has announced that it is to create 150 jobs in Selkirk from 2007 to 2011. The firm will relocate its Edinburgh headquarters to the Ettrick Riverside site in Selkirk. Managers at Spark said the decision was a 'vote of confidence' in the Borders and that the quality of the workforce and its loyalty played a part in the decision. The company will recruit customer service and management staff.
PJ Darling, the chief executive of Spark, said the decision to relocate to Selkirk was based on two key factors that propelled the Borders above other regions of the UK. He said: 'The quality of the workforce in the Borders and the fact that people living here tend to want to stay put and, for that reason, can offer companies loyalty, was a major attraction. The support Spark got from Scottish Enterprise Borders (SE Borders) was also another important decider.'
Mr Darling said that Spark was prepared to pay above the regional salary average for the right staff. He added that the company was also keen to forge links with those involved in renewable energy projects in the region. David Gass, SE Borders senior director of operations, welcomed the jobs boost. He said: 'They are bringing jobs to the region and plan to create fairly significant numbers of quality new jobs in the future, all of which is great news for the Borders.'
Sources
10 September 2007: BBC Website
Citation
Eurofound (2007), Spark, Business expansion in United Kingdom, factsheet number 65795, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/65795.
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