Hiscox jobs boost ‘total win-win for city’ (From York Press)

Hiscox jobs boost ‘total win-win for city’

9:02am Saturday 29th September 2012 in News By Julie Hayes, julie.hayes@thepress.co.uk

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

The Press exclusively revealed yesterday that the international company is to open a new office in the city as part of a multi-million-pound plan.

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.”

Julian Sturdy , MP for York Outer, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with this news. It shows real confidence in York’s local economy that a company like Hiscox is prepared to move into the city.

“The 300 jobs it will create are a real boost to the local economy and to the local job market and the quality of those jobs as well is a real boost to the city of York.

“I hope that this is a sign of things to come and hope it will be a sign to other companies that the York economy is growing and York is a place to invest in for the longer term future.”

Hugh Bayley , MP for York Central, said: It’s very welcome news for York. It shows that businesses have confidence in our city.

“We’re bucking the trend by attracting new jobs and I congratulate the council for getting the Hungate development going again.”

He said investments of these sorts certainly attract more companies to consider the city.

“People will see that businesses have confidence in York and that York has got confidence in itself.”

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.”