Glasgow’s booming financial sector has been given a huge boost with the news that more than 400 jobs are on the way.
And bosses, who are looking to take on 50 new workers immediately, say experience is not necessary for all the posts.
Homeloan Management Limited plans to recruit 425 staff as part of a major expansion at the Skypark business centre at Finnieston with the help of £1.6million in government aid.
Owned by the Skipton Building Society, HML outsources mortgage management services to lenders as well as financial institutions and already employs 75 staff at Skypark.
The company supplies services including the processing of mortgage and loan applications, data analysis and systems consultancy.
It's the biggest firm of its kind in Britain and does work for more than 40 financial institutions - which have combined assets of £41billion - across the UK and Europe.
A HML spokesman said: "We want to expand in Glasgow as it has an untapped highly educated labour force.
"We've been in the city for about 10 years and have been very successful."
On recruiting, he said: "We've got a really good training programme so experience is not necessary."
Today's announcement is seen as a boost to Glasgow's ambitions to become a top location for premier finance firms.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "HML's decision to invest in Glasgow confirms Scotland's status as a first class location with skilled and motivated people.
"Despite global competition, Scotland has again proven its ability to attract, to grow and retain business.
"Our ambitions are high and we will continue to compete with the best in the world. I look forward to seeing more firms benefiting from a decision to locate in Scotland."
HML plans to have a 500-strong workforce in Glasgow within the next three years and if the jobs target is met the company will trigger regional selective assistance worth £1.6m.
Its city operation is currently spread across one floor at Skypark. A successful recruitment campaign will see the company lease a second floor at the Finnieston business park.
Operations director Damian Stansfield said: "We're really excited about our new development.
"The support we have received from Scottish Enterprise has really endorsed our decision to expand our presence here."
Senior job creators at Scottish Enterprise Glasgow are particularly pleased with the move.
Debbie Mackie said: "In the face of tough global competition, HML's decision highlights Glasgow's ability to compete with the best in the world.
"It underlines our reputation as a first class business partner and strengthens our thriving, 30,000 strong, financial services sector."
Today's announcement was also welcomed by Denis Taylor, senior director of trade and investment at Scottish Development International, the government agency which has a pivotal role in attracting investment.
He said: "The remarkable expansion of the financial industry in Scotland has been fuelled by its attractiveness in terms of skills and property.
"Already half of the world's top 20 financial services companies have significant operations in Scotland." |
