Hastings Direct could add 500 more people to its workforce in Leicester after the city government paved the way for the refurbishment of the company’s headquarters.
The insurance provider is expecting to grow its staff following a £4 million loan made by the Leicester City Council to revamp parts of St. George’s Tower where the firm is based.
The
Leicester Mercury reported that 35,000 square feet of unoccupied office space would be renovated for Hastings.
“We are really pleased that the city council has been able to take this proactive approach with our landlord,” Hastings operations director Andrea Gray told the regional news publication.
“It means that we have more space to accommodate our growing business and offer colleagues a great, centrally located working environment in Leicester,” she added.
Hastings already has 700 staff members in the city. According to the report, the company has indicated that it could increase its workforce to 1,200.
“We are looking forward to moving into the new space in 2017 and welcoming new colleagues to our expanding customer services and claims teams,” the
Leicester Mercury quoted Gray as saying.
The loan provided by the Leicester government comes from a £20 million pot announced by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby in 2015 that was meant to be used for development and creation of new jobs.
“This loan will lead to further job opportunities and business rate income for the city,” the
Leicester Mercury quoted Soulsby as saying.
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