Hundreds of new jobs for Inverness and Nairn as the Ministry of Defence announces the opening of the 'largest IT service centre in Europe'
HUNDREDS of jobs are to be created in Nairn and Inverness as part of moves by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to establish the largest IT service centre in Europe.
Two sites in the town and Highland capital have now opened as part of a £225 million MoD contract with international technology and consultancy company Capgemini.
The move has been welcomed by Nairn councillors as a boost to the local economy and jobs market, but MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Drew Hendry said the MoD would have to do more to offset the damage set to be caused locally by the forthcoming closure of Fort George.
The MoD says that, between them, the sites in Nairn and Inverness – with 250 new staff to be taken on – will provide back-up for more than 200,000 staff across the UK defence establishment.
They will look after all defence customers requiring IT assistance and will be operational 24/7, 365 days a year.
Based on the number of end-users, it will be the largest outfit of its kind in Europe, with the company working with the MoD’s Defence Digital organisation, which aims to provide next-generation IT services for the MoD for improved operational and business outputs.
New recruits will receive training to help meet the growing need for cyber security specialists across the UK.
Eighty per cent of Capgemini’s existing cyber security team hold specialist certifications in this area.
Nairn Provost Laurie Fraser described the development as “wonderful news for the town.”
“I don’t know how many additional jobs have been created, but Capgemini has been a good employer in Nairn for many years now, providing sustainable, long-term, white-collar jobs,” he said.
“It’s good for their current workforce and, of course, new employees, who will have job security.”
Fellow councillor Tom Heggie, chairman of the Nairn local area committee, said the Balmakeith Industrial Estate, where the new operation will be based, had seen gradual growth over recent years with long-term small sustainable businesses.
“This news from Capgemini is good news for the town,” he said.
“They have been at Balmakeith for a long time. It’s exciting news that they will be creating more jobs and security for their existing workforce.”
Mr Hendry, however, said the move on its own would not offset the damage likely to be done to the local economy by the closure of Fort George.
It was reported earlier this month that the historic Army base could close sooner than previously planned as part of UK government defence cuts.
“I’ve long been a supporter of the expertise built up in the local area by Capgemini, and it doesn’t surprise me that they are winning new contracts such as this one,” he said.
“These latest jobs created to cope with demand, including this new MoD contract, are welcome and underline our area’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence.
“The MoD, however, will have a long way to go to make an impact on the colossal and damaging effect their decision to close Fort George will have on the local area.
“If they really want to be congratulated, then let’s see them rethink that decision.”
Scottish secretary Alister Jack said: “The opening of these two centres in the Highlands are further examples of how defence is boosting prosperity through the investment and skills footprint it brings.
“Part of a £225 million modernisation, supporting hundreds of jobs – including providing employment for ex-forces personnel – these sites will help ensure our armed forces have the IT tools they need to succeed.”
Related Story – Inverness and Nairn employer Capgemini aims to expand local workforce by more than 200 by year's end
