More than 100 jobs are to be created at Solihull-based LaSer UK after the firm struck a deal with Asda to launch the country’s first supermarket cashback credit card.
The partnership is likely to see the creation of a further 100-plus jobs at the store card specialist for the retail sector to service the Asda contract over its five-year lifespan.
The new jobs will be created at the company’s Solihull call centre where it will manage customer services for the card.
Chief executive Stephen Hunt said: “What you will see with the Asda business over the next few months is that we will be taking on at least 100 extra people to service that account.
“We are currently in the launch phase but headcount will increase by about 100. And over the life of the programme with Asda – set to be five years – we will see the volume of people we need to service that increase by about another 100.
“The Asda project will probably double the size of our card business in the UK and gives the opportunity to create new jobs.”
The Asda deal represents the latest step in a phase of rapid growth for LaSer UK both in terms of business and jobs and Mr Hunt said at least one other big deal was in the pipeline.
It currently employs around 500 people at its Solihull town centre site and another 200 in Belfast, with at least 200 jobs created over the last three to four years.
Although many of the new jobs will be created in LaSer UK’s Solihull call centre Mr Hunt said he was keen to get away from the negative associations such roles sometimes have.
“A lot of roles are within the customer service area,” he said. “And one of the things I have been very keen on is trying to make people aware that working for a call centre doesn’t have to be a negative thing.
“We’ve invested quite a lot in the environment, training and working with the community to try and create a good environment to come to work.
“One of the things I wanted to see when we took people on was that eventually we would see people moving on around the business.
“We have had people who have moved into marketing, finance and even into the legal area.
“It is important for us as an employer to show people there are opportunities in the organisation no matter what role you come into.”
Asda has joined a host of household names working with LaSer UK that includes Flybe, Dell, Sony, Selfridges & Co, Dixons Retail, Sharps, DFS, Dreams and Ultralase.
