Scotland’s transport minister has hailed the growth of a company that has seen it become Arbroath’s biggest employer.
Derek Mackay visited Angus yesterday to officially open the new Journeycall facilities at Arbroath Enterprise Park, on the town’s Kirkton Industrial Estate, following the firm’s move from Laurencekirk.
From humble beginnings in the Mearns town with just three employees in 2004, the company now has 286 staff and is hoping to expand its workforce further by the end of the year.
Part of the ESP Group, Journeycall is now the largest employer in the town and, from the James Chalmers Road base, services some of the biggest names in travel with a variety of clients including Transport for London, Stagecoach, Megabus, ATOC and Abellio ScotRail.
The new facilities, costing £2 million, were designed around staff and with space to grow, as Journeycall continues to expand.
Journeycall managing director Theresa Wishart led Mr Mackay on a tour of the facility, introducing him to some of the firm’s dedicated staff, both long-standing and new recruits.
The minister said: “I am pleased to be able to open Journeycall’s new headquarters here in Arbroath. The excellent service provided by Journeycall is fundamental to the smooth running of the transport industry and Scotland’s rail network in particular.
“I commend their achievements over the last 11 years and I am sure that the future is very bright for them.”
Journeycall agents handle about 50,000 contacts per week for transport industry clients, from arranging assistance for upcoming journeys, to buying an Oyster card, railcard or ticket, as well as general customer support.
Theresa Wishart said: “It was fantastic to have the transport minister with us. He gave the staff a real boost and it has been great to look back on what we have achieved and recognise that all our hard work is paying off.
“The commemorative plaque in our reception will be seen by all staff and visiting clients and is a real recognition of the contribution Journeycall is making not just locally but on the national stage as well.”