Energy firm plans 200 new jobs after office move

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin said the move would allow the firm to grow its team in the West Midlands

Energy firm Octopus Energy has said its move to a new office in Coventry is set to create 200 new jobs in the coming year.

The company officially opened a base in the Friargate development on Tuesday, a site which is jointly-owned by Coventry City Council.

A "significant number" of Shell Energy staff had moved to Octopus when it took the company over, and those workers would be based in Coventry, the energy firm stated.

It also said it had reached capacity at its Leamington Spa office, and the move to the city would be good for recruiting and retaining staff due its improved transport links and proximity to local universities.

The firm said the move would create 200 new opportunities, joining 700 Octopus employees already in Coventry and Leicester.

Chief marketing officer Rebecca Dibb-Simkin said the company had wanted to find a "great home base" for its Leamington staff, and to keep building a West Midlands team.

Octopus Energy acquired Co-op Energy in 2019, and inherited the company's Leamington-based staff and office.

Being based in Coventry would provide more job opportunities for young people looking to stay in the area after university, said Ms Dibb-Simkin.

"We were very happy to partner with Coventry City Council on the move and we will maintain a close relationship with the city for years to come,” she added.