Over 50 new jobs created in Hastings by fast-growing financial services company.

UTP provides a range of leading credit and debit card payment solutions to businesses within the UK. The company has seen a huge surge in demand for its services as customers start to become cashless, and retailers require the latest processing solutions from countertop card machines and mobile credit card services to virtual processing.

The company is the only provider in the UK offering a 'Faster Processing' service, where payments are processed to clients within hours rather than days, resolving many business' cash flow problems.

Supported by Locate East Sussex with funding through the East Sussex Invest Programme led by East Sussex County Council, UTP Merchant Services has expanded its Hastings office to create the new positions. The funding from the East Sussex Invest programme has facilitated the fitting-out of a new floor in Ocean House, where the company now occupies two floors of the building, it has additionally funded an upgrade to the company's IT infrastructure and the purchase of new equipment.

Jaime Lowe, Sales Director, said: “We are committed to investing in the right space for our dedicated team of staff so we can continue to attract and retain the highest calibre of employee, and to therefore provide uncompromising levels of service for customers up and down the country.”

Adam Berger, Business Manager at Locate East Sussex commented:

'Since establishing themselves in St Leonards, UTP Merchant Services has proven to be a fast-growing employer, with very promising technology. We are delighted that we were able to help them expand and stay in the local area.'

Head of Marketing at UTP, Paul Lamb said: 'We're thrilled to be able to create more job opportunities in the Hastings area. It offers a great base for our sales operations and a superb work environment. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to offer more roles in the future and help support the local economy as popularity with retailers across the UK continues to grow.'

Kim Forward, lead councillor for regeneration at Hastings Borough Council said:

‘We are pleased UTP has now been able to establish themselves in the town and is expanding further. The creation of 50 new jobs in Central St Leonards is significant and will benefit all retailers in the local shopping streets.’

Councillor Rupert Simmons, lead member for economy at East Sussex County Council, said: 

'This is excellent news for Hastings and St Leonards and a real boost to the local economy. I’m delighted that the East Sussex Invest initiative has helped UTP Merchant Services to expand and offer more employment opportunities in the area.'

'This is another example of how East Sussex Invest has helped the economy of East Sussex. Since it started six years ago, the initiative has supported 288 businesses and helped to create nearly 1000 jobs across the county.'