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06/09/2001
Discussions break down over Belfast call centre
Discussions have broken down between specialist customer service provider gem (global email company) and British Telecom regarding the possible sale of BT’s Apollo Road call centre in Belfast.
Negotiations between the two companies about the transfer of operations began in April of this year but a joint announcement on Wednesday September 5 revealed that discussions have “concluded without any commitment”. BT, who cited “changes in the dynamics of the deal” as the reason behind the breakdown, have already entered into talks with numerous other companies about the future of the call centre.
Hanif Lalani, BT Northern Ireland’s Chief Executive, described the news as “disappointing” but went on to assure that the company’s search for a suitable strategic partner was far from over.
However, gem have lost out on the extensive market presence that would have been given by acquisition of the Apollo Road site.
The Belfast-based company are said to be still actively investigating an entry into the voice handling capability sector and have not ruled out the feasibility of developing their own new facility from an enterprise start-up. (CL)
Negotiations between the two companies about the transfer of operations began in April of this year but a joint announcement on Wednesday September 5 revealed that discussions have “concluded without any commitment”. BT, who cited “changes in the dynamics of the deal” as the reason behind the breakdown, have already entered into talks with numerous other companies about the future of the call centre.
Hanif Lalani, BT Northern Ireland’s Chief Executive, described the news as “disappointing” but went on to assure that the company’s search for a suitable strategic partner was far from over.
However, gem have lost out on the extensive market presence that would have been given by acquisition of the Apollo Road site.
The Belfast-based company are said to be still actively investigating an entry into the voice handling capability sector and have not ruled out the feasibility of developing their own new facility from an enterprise start-up. (CL)
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Call Goes Out To Save Derry Jobs
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