HUNDREDS of jobs could be created by a Peterborough insurance firm famous for its meerkat-themed adverts. The BGL Group – which counts price comparison website ComparetheMarket.com among its divisions – could recruit up to 600 staff if its plans for two new office blocks are approved. The firm has submitted plans to Peterborough City Council for the two blocks next to its head office in Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate.
The company has gone from strength to strength despite the recession, partly because of the massive success of Compare the Market and its clever advertising campaign involving Aleksandr the meerkat. The council granted planning permission for one large block on the site in 2008, but now BGL wants to build two smaller offices instead – each capable of accommodating 300 workers in each.BGL has not given any indication of how many new jobs it intends to create and when, but did admit it anticipates “significant growth in employees” in the coming months – adding to the 1,200-plus workforce it already employs in the city.
Group chief executive Peter Winslow said: “As a business BGL has experienced continued growth over the past few years and being able to develop on the land around our Peterborough headquarters would support our continued expansion.
“This can only be a good thing for both BGL and Peterborough as a city.”
The company confirmed that it would be retaining its existing head office, called Pegasus House, in which 600 workers are currently based, and has recently extended its lease on the building to 2025 – solidifying its long-term commitment to Peterborough.
If plans are approved, the company intends to start work on the first building in the spring, with a view to opening it in summer 2012. Work on the second building is likely to start in 2012 or 2013.
BGL’s announcement has been welcomed by Peterborough’s business and civic leaders.
City council leader Marco Cereste hailed the impact of the firm on raising the profile and generating employment in the city. He said: “BGL is one of the real success stories for our city. It is very community-focused and employ good staff. “It is one of those companies that we can really look up to and be proud of the fact they are in Peterborough.” North-West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara said the news further boosts Peterborough’s reputation with major companies. He said: “This shows that Peterborough remains an attractive place to do business.
“I very much hope that this planning application will have a smooth and expeditious passage. If this works out this will be a real boost to the local economy.” The impact and reputation that BGL has garnered on a national scene could play a big role in bringing new firms to Peterborough, according to Peterborough Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Bridge. “It is a very successful company that has performed extremely well through some difficult circumstances. We are very fortunate to have them here. “This latest announcement, coupled with good job growth over the past year, is boosting the city’s reputation.”
