CallNorthWest opens doors to the future

6th March 2006

CONTACT centre champion CallNorthWest will host its annual Open Week event next month to showcase the region’s talent in this thriving sector.

Companies across the Northwest, including national names such as Ticketmaster, PC World Business, LBM and Carphone Warehouse, will invite guests into their centres during the ‘Open Week – Open Doors’ event from 13-17 March.

During the week some of the region’s 570 contact centres will open their doors to organisations that support the sector to encourage closer links and develop a greater understanding of the industry and its needs.

The event has been organised by CallNorthWest, the industry-led project developed to enhance the region’s contact centre sector, which has already helped hundreds of organisations who operate or plan to operate in the Northwest.

The event aims to provide an opportunity for centres to connect with the community they serve. Those visiting a contact centre will be able to see for themselves why the Northwest has established itself as a pioneering contact centre region whose success continues to surpass national expectations.

Visitors to centres can expect a tour and presentations on topics including training and support, employment benefits, workforce diversity and community involvement. Guests will also get the chance to talk to staff, attend question and answer sessions and listen to a sample of calls.

Project director at CallNorthWest, Christine Pye, said: “Due to the success of last year’s Open Week we have been asked to deliver the event again. The week is open to all who are associated with the contact centre sector and we hope lasting partnerships will be formed for the future.

“We want people to come through the doors and see what the region can offer in terms of careers, personal development, innovation and professionalism.

“The event is all about people in the sector working together and sharing their expertise for the long-term good of the industry and its people as well as promoting the sector to potential employees.

“For the second year running the Northwest has reported a growth in the number of centres which is above the national average.

“This growth takes the total number of people employed in contact centre to 132,112 – 4.6 per cent of the working population.

“Contact centres are part of everyone’s lives and the Northwest is home to some of the best in the business. This is something we should be shouting about.”

CallNorthWest hopes the event will create a positive public image of contact centres and dispel any misconceptions.