Scottish Enterprise funding supports John Lewis jobs

The Scottish Government is supporting John Lewis in its plans to open a new customer contact centre at the Hamilton Technology Park, which will create more than 450 jobs when the centre reaches full capacity.

The Government is supporting the project with the offer of £700,000 in Regional Selective Assistance. The centre which will field customer enquiries, deal with administration and assist customers with purchase enquiries is due to open in June.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The Scottish Government is doing all that it can to create jobs and investment and I am delighted that John Lewis has chosen to locate its new customer service contact centre in Scotland.

"This project will bring more than 450 jobs to the Hamilton area and will make a significant contribution to the local economy.

"John Lewis Partnership already makes a substantial contribution to the Scottish economy through employing approximately 2,600 people across its John Lewis and Waitrose shops. The Scottish Government is supporting the company's plans to increase its presence in Scotland, particularly during these challenging economic times.

"John Lewis has established a reputation for quality customer care and came top of the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index. The firm's decision to locate this major new facility in Scotland demonstrates that South Lanarkshire has the infrastructure and skilled workforce to deliver future success for this leading household name."

Andrew Murphy, Director, Retail Operations at John Lewis said:

"We are delighted to have the support of the Scottish Government on such an important project for John Lewis and look forward to working with the local community in and around Hamilton."

David Smith, interim chief executive of Scottish Development International, said:

"Scottish Development International, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, has worked closely with John Lewis over the last twelve months, to attract and secure the company's investment in the new centre at Hamilton Technology Park.

"This investment will not only provide a huge jobs boost for the region; but it will also help to cement Scotland's reputation as one of Europe's leading locations for customer service centres and we look forward to working with the company to develop its presence in Scotland."