A consumer advice business moved its call centre from Wimbledon to Mitcham last week as part of a scheme to reduce unemployment in the area.

Simply Energy, a telephone service which provides information to consumers about local gas and electricity suppliers, moved to the site in London Road which will create 30 new jobs in the area within the next 12 months.

The move is part of a scheme by Bridges Community Ventures, a social venture funding company which invests in businesses in areas of high unemployment and offers funding on the condition that it will result in the creation of new jobs for local people.

Karen Darby, co-founder of Simply Energy, said: " We are pleased to be moving to Mitcham. It is not too far from our current location and it is in fact where I was born.

"We are looking to recruit many new staff and will give them full training. It is really great to have backing from Bridges and also to have social purpose to our expansion."

Philip Newborough, managing director of Bridges Community Ventures, added: "We are delighted that Simply Energy has based its business in Mitcham.

"The company is now in a position to have a positive impact on the community through the creation of jobs."

May 29, 2003 10:31