Dudley Mayor opens centre which has created 170 jobs

Cromwell's new premises are right in the heart of DY5, Dudley’s Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone.

Cromwell, a subsidiary of US tool giant Grainger, has opened its new customer service centre in a 22,000 sq ft office in Quay House on the Waterfront.

The Leicester based company, which has more than 50 branches, has created 170 jobs with its presence in the enterprise zone.

Dudley Council, working with the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, launched the Enterprise Zone early last year to help to rejuvenate the Waterfront office complex at Brierley Hill.

The zone also covers the surrounding areas of Brierley Hill and is set to create additional office, technology and industrial space at Harts Hill and Pensnett. It is expected to deliver up to 7,000 new jobs and boost the economy by £589 million each year.

The letting of Quay House is seen as a significant indicator as to the growing momentum of the enterprise zone. Cromwell’s investment is one of the largest office lettings in the Black Country this year and Quay House is now fully occupied.

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor, said: "It was lovely to meet staff at the centre today and officially welcome them to the borough. I wish the company and its entire staff the best of luck in this new venture.”

Councillor Keiran Casey, the council's regeneration boss, added: "This is fantastic news and I am pleased to welcome Cromwell to the enterprise zone. As a significant national firm, they could have chosen anywhere in the UK but it’s a positive sign that they chose the Waterfront as the place where they want to grow their business.

"This demonstrates the enterprise zone has the high quality and affordable office space companies are looking for and we are able to compete on a national scale to attract investment and businesses.”

Neil Jowsey, managing director of Cromwell, said: "We are delighted to open this customer service centre in DY5, Dudley’s Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone.

"Cromwell has helped professionals keep their operations running and their people safe for almost 50 years, and this centre is further proof of our commitment to customer service.

"We are excited by the talent we have at the centre and look forward to our team members anticipating our customers’ needs and creating great experiences.”