Council's £92m IT deal to create 200 new jobs in Borders

A multi-million-pound contract awarded by Scottish Borders Council to a Canadian IT and digital services provider will create 200 new jobs in the Borders, the council announced today.

The jobs will be created in the Borders as part of a £92 million digital services contract awarded by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to the global IT and business process services provider, CGI.

The council said the deal will bring a Scottish Centre of Excellence to the Borders and inject over £100m into the local economy.A location for the new centre has yet to be announced, but Borders MSP John Lamont is calling for it to be based in Hawick.

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“Given the challenging time that Hawick has experienced recently, I strongly believe this is a fantastic opportunity for the Council to do its bit and bring new investment and new jobs to the town,” he said.

The 13-year contract will provide the council with technology to deliver customer services and streamlined systems.

The agreement means the council’s 49 existing IT staff will remain in the Borders.

In addition, it was announced that CGI will unbundle six telephone exchanges in the Borders which will provide new high-speed broadband initiatives for schools, businesses and the local community.

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Council leader David Parker said: “This is a landmark deal for the Scottish Borders as we join forces with one of the leading IT companies in the world to offer a once in a generation transformational opportunity for the region.

“For CGI to choose the Scottish Borders to base their second UK Service Centre is a genuinely exciting opportunity. Not only does it mean our existing ICT staff will remain in the Borders, but it will also bring a wide range of benefits and opportunities.”

Tim Gregory, UK president of CGI said: “We are delighted to partner with Scottish Borders Council to enable simpler and more accessible digital services for citizens.

“As part of our commitment to delivering on our plans we will be creating an ICT delivery centre of excellence in the region which will mean up to 200 new, high-value jobs for the area including digital, cyber security and modern apprentice roles.”

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Borders MP Calum Kerr said: “This is a fantastic announcement for the region and I warmly congratulate Scottish Borders Council and CGI for in putting it in place.

“It’s a highly imaginative solution which will bring jobs and better IT - both of which we really need - across the Borders.”