New call centre on the Isle of Wight could create up to 600 jobs

The large UK-based customer service provider, which remains anonymous while negotiations take place, could set up shop on the island.

But the plans hinge on the Isle of Wight Council agreeing to spend more than £2million to invest in and lease an office building.

And time is of the essence for the council as the anonymous company has already secured new contracts and needs the office space to be up and running by September.

It is a major contract for the council as the company is expected to invest £35 million over the next five years; a minimum of 400 jobs will also be created, which will increase to 600 in the coming years.

The location of where the call-centre will be base is also a closely guarded secret. A council meeting to discuss the plans will take place next Thursday.

Council leader Dave Stewart has committed to do all he can to get the deal “across the line”. Chief executive of the IW Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Smith, said it shows the island is a “great place to base a business”.