HOPES are high that a new multi-million pound centre of excellence due to open outside Dungannon later this year will bring a welcome jobs and investment boost to the local economy.

Leading accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) has confirmed they are to open a new purpose-built regional centre at the Linen Green in Moygashel, representing "a significant investment" in the area.

PwC currently has five offices outside Belfast operating in Armagh, Portadown, Dungannon, Londonderry and Omagh, however according to a spokesperson for the company, it now finds that the majority of its services are delivered directly at client premises rather than at regional offices.

Therefore, as a number of leases at regional offices are due to expire in the near future, PwC intends to develop the new centre of excellence at the Linen Green site.

Speaking to the Courier, a PwC spokesman said: "The new centre, to be called PwC Linen Green will be completed in mid-2010 and its location will provide improved access and services to PwC clients outside Belfast.

"The facility will be leading edge and one of the most modern in Northern Ireland, with our staff being closely involved in the final internal design."

He further confirmed that discussions were underway to relocate the company's Armagh, Portadown and Dungannon staff to PwC Linen Green in Summer 2010 but added that job losses were "not anticipated".

PwC is expected to retain its existing headquarters in Belfast while Londonderry office staff will relocate to the larger Omagh facility by March with Omagh continuing to service PwC clients throughout the North West.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 27 January 2010