Up to 170 new jobs are being created at the new Northgate Public Service business centre in Bulwell which was officially opened today (23 September).

The new business centre, which has resulted from a partnership between Northgate and Nottingham City Council, will provide cost-effective document services, such as scanning and mailroom services, to the City Council and other government offices including central government departments, police and health care organisations throughout the UK.

The building was officially opened by long term Bulwell resident, Lord Mayor Councillor Jackie Morris; the City Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Graham Chapman and Anthony Singleton, Executive Director, Northgate Public Services and Nottingham North MP, Graham Allen.

Councillor Graham Chapman, who is also the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources and Neighbourhood Regeneration and who promoted the deal, said: “The Council entered into an agreement with Northgate Public Services last year with the aim of saving £6m and safeguarding jobs. Northgate’s commitment to opening a regional centre in the city was a key part of the deal so it’s great to see it now open for business providing quality jobs for the area.”

The development is estimated to be worth in excess of £50 million to the local economy over the initial seven years of the partnership. The new jobs will be spread over the next five years and will include the recruitment of 25 apprenticeships.

Graham Allen MP said: “Credit is due to the Council and Northgate Public Services for ensuring that their partnership not only provides an efficient and cost effective service but also provides a major boost to the local economy, creating good job and apprenticeship opportunities for people in Bulwell and across the city.”

When advertising for the jobs, both the council and Northgate Public Services agreed to focus on advertising for people who had difficulties finding employment and who might be long term unemployed.

Charmaine Chulan was out of work for six years before finding employment at the new business centre.

“I’d been to college for four years and studied beauty therapy and had a daughter,” said Charmaine. “I’d been administration for work experience before this opportunity came along. It took me a long while to get a job – now that I have, I plan to be here for a long time, learn a bit of everything, and become a team leader! Now that I have a job, there’s so much more I can do with my daughter, so many fun things.”

Anthony Singleton, Executive Director Services, Northgate Public Services, said: “We’re extremely pleased with the opportunity to deliver public services to the people of Nottingham. Our partnership with the Council through this business centre reflects the strength of our long term commitment to the area, as well as our belief in the drive and focus of our new local employees. Over the coming weeks and years we will continue to be looking for new employees, so if you have what it takes, please do get in contact.”

With 70 positions already filled, future vacancies will be advertised jointly with the Nottingham City Council Employment Hub.