20 February 2012 Last updated at 04:24 ET

Call centre firm Conduit creates 600 jobs in Cardiff

An American call centre company is creating 600 jobs in Cardiff, it has been confirmed.

Conduit already employs more than 1,900 staff across three centres - in Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Gate and Swansea.

Its new centre in the Cardiff business district provides the homecare service for British Gas.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said Cardiff was an increasingly attractive centre for financial and professional services.

"Today's announcement is yet another indication that Welsh government policies are having a beneficial effect supporting the economy and creating jobs during these difficult times," he said.

"Last week we heard that for two months in a row, the Welsh labour market employment rate and inactivity rate have outperformed the UK as a whole, over both the quarter and the year.

"Professional and financial services are a key growth sector for the Welsh economy and I am delighted that Conduit is yet again expanding its operations in Wales."

He said the move supported and complemented Cardiff's central business district, where there are plans to create capacity for 40,000 new jobs.

Denis Creighton, chief executive of Conduit Europe, said the company operated in 10 different countries and Wales "generates the best customer service and performance indicators across the board".

"Wales delivers our best performance figures period. And that's why we're planning to focus future growth here," he said.

"We are delighted to open this new centre and create more than 600 jobs this year. Fusion Point 1 [Conduit's new centre in Cardiff business district] will be the flagship of our growing operation."

Last week it was announced 30 new jobs were being created after an American company decided to set up its European base in Cardiff.

DRIAS Transnat Limited, which has its headquarters in Minnesota, administers insurance plans on behalf of other companies.

The firm said the number of jobs would rise to 50 over the next two years.