A JOBS boost at Greenock's HEROtsc call centre could have a welcome knock-on impact on local contractors.

The Tele revealed on Wednesday that more than 100 full-time jobs are being created at HEROtsc because of a Christmas boost in business from Sky.

And today, HEROtsc's boss said they were now planning to celebrate by refurbishing their Greenock building.

Anton Manley, HEROtsc's strategic accounts director, said: "We will upgrade and refurbish the site early next year to provide a facility fitting for the great people who work here.

"And that could provide work for local contractors."

He was speaking during a visit to the site to meet Inverclyde MP Iain McKenzie, who said he hoped the company's success would encourage other firms to look at Inverclyde.

The MP said: "This demonstrates that Inverclyde is open for business.

"There is a connection between successful businesses and companies who are out there looking in.

"Once you get certain names in place, others could move in on the strength of it.

"And I'll certainly be encouraging that to happen."

Mr Manley said Greenock is one of the company's strongest performing areas.

They also have sites in Dunoon, Falkirk, Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Rothesay, Derby, Warrington, Dearne Valley in South Yorkshire and in India.

He said: "We have become a strategic partner with Sky because of our existing employees. The quality and professionalism of the staff we have here is of the highest standard, and the centre has performed outstandingly since Sky came here.

"Sky are experiencing continued growth. They need more people to answer the phones with growing demand for the rest of this year and into next year."

The number of jobs at the Greenock site will rise by about 40 per cent from 250 to more than 350 in time for Sky's build-up to Christmas.

Anyone interested in applying for the jobs should visit www.herotsccareers.co.uk or call 08450 700055.