WIREDGOV

The investment backed by £340,000 business finance from the Welsh Government will create sixteen highly skilled, well paid jobs. The new centre, which will be initially based in the Technium waterfront office building, will be involved in software development and testing.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:

“I am delighted to welcome a company of Hitec’s calibre to Wales and that Welsh Government support played a pivotal role in their decision to invest in Swansea where they can expand and grow their business.

“Their investment also sends out a strong message to companies that Wales offers a first class, cost effective location for businesses looking to expand and recruit and retain skilled staff.

“Hitec is an important addition to the ICT sector in Wales - one of our key economic growth sectors so this investment is particularly welcome and I wish them every success in establishing and expanding their operation in Wales.”

Hitec needed an additional facility outside the Thames Valley where it has found it difficult in recent years to recruit and retain additional staff members. Offshore facilities were considered but rejected and after an intense evaluation project - and with support from the Welsh Government, identified South Wales as the best location.

Jeremy Crame, Hitec CEO comments:

“This is an important strategic move for Hitec and we are looking forward to building a strong team in Swansea. Road and rail links between the Thames Valley and Swansea are excellent, and the availability of experienced team members in the area is great.

“The Welsh Government has been pivotal in supporting our decision and their assistance has been commendable. The official opening of the office towards the end of October will be a major milestone for us, and we are confident that the team will have a major impact on the future of Hitec.”

He added that the Swansea centre is ideal to attract experienced and well qualified Development/QA team members who can enjoy the work-life balance offered by the area. It also provides the business with the opportunity, in the medium term, to recruit and train Graduates from a range of local Universities.

The company has been based in the Thames Valley for 20 years and during that time  successfully recruited and retained an experienced and committed core Development and QA team. However, as the business grew, it became more difficult to recruit and retain additional team members, due to local competition from large businesses, and also from City based firms as a result of improved rail connections.