Sky deal paves way for 100 jobs in Cork


30 Mar 2007

Satellite TV company Sky is to create 100 jobs in Cork through a partnership with business process outsourcing firm Abtran, it emerged this morning.

Sky is to locate a dedicated Irish customer service operation at Abtran’s Bishopstown headquarters. Recruitment has already commenced and the new operation will launch in June or July.

The move comes as part of Sky’s efforts to grow its customer base in Ireland, which currently stands at 465,000 households, almost a third of all homes.

“Sky is a growing company and great customer service is a key factor in our continuing success as the leading digital TV provider in Ireland,” explained Delia Bushell, managing director of Sky Ireland.

“Over the last 17 years, we’ve constantly benefited from investing in the recruitment of high-calibre people. Our partnership with Abtran with its focus on excellence in customer service will ensure that our customers receive the highest standard of care and attention, maintaining and growing our customer base,” Bushell said.

The bespoke contact centre will focus on advising users on appropriate packages for them as well as arranging the installation of services.

“Sky Ireland is a deeply innovative and entrepreneurial company which places a priority on customer care as part of its provision of market leading entertainment,” said Michael Fitzgerald, Abtran’s managing director.

“In Ireland, they require world-class customer management expertise and operational support to meet individual customer needs and add further value to their business,” Fitzgerald said.

Abtran, which already employs 250 people, provides BPO services to corporate clients in Ireland and worldwide.

In January last year the company revealed a €1.5m research and development investment plan that paved the way for 50 additional jobs over the next three years.

By John Kennedy