Digital transformation specialist Version 1 has revealed plans for a new technology hub in Birmingham city centre, creating 500 new jobs and placing it closer to a growing West Midlands client base.
The company already has a significant presence in the area and the move is in response to increased demand for its services across the public and private sector in digital, data and cloud solutions and next generation managed services, as well as specialist AI collaboration.
Version 1 has formed close bonds with the city’s universities and further and higher education institutions to help grow the pipeline of local talent in the future.
Version 1 made the announcement with The West Midlands Growth Company at Birmingham Tech Week.
The new roles will be in technology disciplines and include multidisciplinary software engineers, product design and delivery specialists and service management ranging from entry level to managerial positions. They will be remotely based in the wider region but centred around the new hub in Birmingham city centre, which is due to open officially next year.
The news also comes on the heels of the organisation being recognised as the 2023 Microsoft Global Partner of the Year for Modernising Applications, specifically for its work with Birmingham-headquartered National Highways to improve safety and efficiency across motorways and major A roads in England.
The new office location will also give better proximity to a range of other clients in the area, including HMRC, Wesleyan, NatWest, Arup and Cafcass.
“We are very happy with our decision to increase our presence in Birmingham with the creation of another 500 jobs,” said Tom O’Connor, CEO. “Our work with organisations in the West Midlands area has grown considerably in recent years, so this local expansion will allow us to embed our presence and continue to service the evolving needs of both our current and future customers.
“The technology talent in this region is impressive and has been a key factor in our decision, along with the support provided by the West Midlands Growth Company, who provided dedicated account management and made valuable introductions to the WMCA to support our expansion.
“Our team here is exceptional and makes a significant contribution to the wider Version 1 business as we continue to grow throughout the world.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “This investment reinforces our region’s status as a destination of choice for ambitious companies across a wide range of sectors.
“My thanks to Version 1 for their vote of confidence in us. They will help the West Midlands to realise its potential to be a ‘science and technology superpower’ – equipping local people with the skills they need to succeed and generating the high-quality jobs of the future in the months and years ahead.”
The company will start recruitment in 2024 when the new technology hub location will open. Included in this will be positions within the Early Careers Academies running in the second quarter, where graduates and interns are provided with intense training before being onboarded into the business.
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