Shared Services and Back Office Operations

Shared service centers help companies affordably consolidate a variety of functions, across UK and European offices, including finance, procurement, human resources and IT.

Affordable employees and property along with top language skills has made North England a leader in shared services. North England hosts around 50 shared service centers, including those of Procter & Gamble, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Kellogg, Astra Zeneca and Bank of America, which now employs more than 5,000 in Chester.

The density of shared service centers and back office operations in North England has lead to specialized support organizations. With more than 40 members, the North West Shared Services Forum is the largest regional forum of its kind. The Regional Language Network North West provides advice and information for international business, and promotes greater language skills in North England.

The Advisory Board in Newcastle is made up of senior representatives from EDS, British Airways, BT and others and seeks to coordinate a range of support to contact and shared service operations in the region.