Business leaders hope Hiscox move could lead to further investment (From York Press)

Business leaders hope Hiscox move could lead to further investment

1:37pm Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Julie Hayes, Business editor

BUSINESS leaders have today welcomed the news that international insurance company Hiscox is to create 300 jobs in York .

Richard Flanagan, president of the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said he thought Hiscox’s investment decision would attract other companies to the city.

“It’s the first major investment of I hope many more to come. We will have to make sure we use it to our advantage.

“Hiscox is the type of organisation that would be happy to voice their pleasure at how easy it is to work with the right sort of people in the city.

“The feedback we had from Hiscox was that they really did appreciate the fact we had a joined up approach between the public and private sector and local businesses.

“It’s really good to see all these parties come together. It has clearly paid dividends,” he said.

Susie Cawood , head of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “We are delighted that Hiscox has made the decision to invest in York, endorsing the city as a modern, dynamic European city that is open for business, open for investment and open for economic growth. This is a further boost to York’s economy that will increase business confidence and provide valuable employment opportunities.”

The investment, at the Hungate site, is also expected to boost city centre businesses.

Frank Wood, chairman of York Retail Forum and deputy chair of City Team York, who also owns Braithwaite Jewellers in Goodramgate, said it was excellent news. “Any investment within the centre is absolutely fantastic as far as York is concerned.

“Extra people within the city will improve the turnover for restaurants, pubs at lunchtimes and retail. It’s fantastic news.”

Adam Sinclair, chairman of York Business Forum and owner of Mulberry Hall on Stonegate, added: “It’s a tremendous blue chip confidence statement in the city. Professionals and financial services is where the city needs to be in terms of sustainable jobs growth and the spend in the city going forward.

“It’s great to see local development partners S Harrison engaged in the infrastructure side of this development too, it’s a total win win for the city.”