HSBC’s new Gozo Service Centre in Xewkija will be fully operational by the end of January with an initial investment of around Lm343,440 (EUR800,000) and an annual recurring operational cost of Lm429,300 (EUR1 million).
Speaking during a press conference on site in Gozo, HSBC Malta Chief Executive Officer Shaun Wallis said that the service centre will employ a staff of 50 full-time employees, with training starting mid-November. Recruitment has started, and applications are already available online on the Bank’s website.
HSBC Malta’s new initiative is over and above the Swatar Call Centre, where HSBC will be employing 500 full time employees by the end of 2007.
Mr Wallis, who was accompanied on site by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Investment, Industry and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, Malta Enterprise Chairman Alec Mizzi and HSBC Chairman Albert Mizzi, said that job applications are already available on the bank’s website and training will start in full swing in November.
He explained that the capital expenditure will cover property refurbishment, fittings, IT systems, and office equipment – all of which have been procured.
“We are working with very tight deadlines, with the aim of making the centre fully operational by end of January,” he said.
Refurbishment and IT works commenced this month and will be completed by year’s end. Construction, mechanical and electrical works have been awarded to a Gozitan company.
This new initiative means increasing job opportunities in Gozo with new external recruitment as well as improving the work-life balance of Gozitan employees who currently go to Malta on a daily basis, said Mr Wallis.
“This new wave of recruits at the Gozo Service Centre will mean HSBC remains the largest employer in Malta in the financial services sector. This employment comes back to back with our recent announcement of increasing our employment at the Swatar Call Centre, Malta to 500 full time equivalent staff,” he said.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that HSBC’s decision supports the government’s belief in Gozo’s potential and the good quality of its human resources.
“Gozo plays an important role in the realisation of our strategic vision for our socio-economic development up to 2015,” said Dr Gonzi.
He went on to say that Gozo is an island of unique potential and opportunities and “that is why we have committed Lm1.5 million (EUR3.49 million) in expenditure for projects that will create job opportunities, embellish the environment, reward the taking of initiatives, and enhance the Gozitan tourism, cultural and artistic product.”
The Prime Minister said that creating new jobs is one of the government’s main objectives for Gozo.
“That is why we will be expanding the Gozo Employment Aid Scheme we launched this year, transferring more government administrative work to Gozo, and constructing a new Back Office Centre to increase its potential in new opportunities,” he said.
Dr Gonzi said that last year the government invested over Lm 4.7 million(EUR11 million) on capital projects to strengthen its economy, upgrade its infrastructure and improve the quality of life.
“This HSBC Service Centre fits in well with the policy we have of transforming our economy by shifting activity from low-value process-oriented services to more knowledge-based ones,” he said.