Plus points for jobs as internet provider plans expansion

Plusnet, which currently employs around 850 people, will branch out into a 32,000 sq ft three-storey office in Marlborough Street, Leeds, once its £2m refurbishment is complete in October.

The Leeds building, which is expected to host up to 100 workers by March next year, will be
used in addition to the firm’s Pinfold Street headquarters, in Sheffield.

Plusnet has also announced that it will be introducing an apprenticeship scheme across both sites to run alongside its graduate training programme and in-house fast-track scheme, which will see posts open up in Sheffield from November before six roles are created in Leeds in early 2014.

Jamie Ford, chief executive of Plusnet, said: “The intention is that both sites will grow over the coming years.

“The new building gives us extra resilience as a business and
I am happy that this site reaffirms Plusnet’s commitment to Yorkshire.”

Building contractors will begin a full strip-out of the Marlborough Street building imminently, while Plusnet is working with architects Stephen George & Partners, who have designed the interior layout of the office building.

Leeds and Partners will be working with the company on plans to launch their site in the city, including introductions to the business community in Leeds.

Lurene Joseph, chief executive of Leeds and Partners, said: “We are delighted to be working with Plusnet, whose decision to expand their business with a second site in Leeds is a fantastic coup for the city.

“Plusnet recognises that there is a rich talent pool in Leeds and took this into account when making their decision.

“As part of our overall approach to inward investment, Leeds and Partners aims to understand the business needs of companies locating in the city, in order to support a sustainable business model.

“We are committed to working with the universities and colleges in Leeds, to meet the needs of Plusnet’s growing business.”

Established in 1997, Plusnet – which is currently the Yorkshire Post’s Employer of the Year – is the UK’s third fastest internet services provider.