Call centre operator 7C, which ran telephone help lines for failed broadcaster ITV Digital, has been sold to United Utilities.

Customer management division Vertex will take control of its four UK sites including Pembroke Dock, where about 900 workers were made redundant in May when the television outfit collapsed.

Welsh call centres

24,000 workers 118 employers 48% of staff are in Cardiff 19% in Swansea 18% in Newport 36% beyond cities 55% handle internet queries Average centre employs 250 Third of centres Cardiff-based 1-in-8 in Swansea 1-in-7 in Newport Growers: Travel, business, healthcare Declining: Finance, banks, energy Source: Cardiff and Newport Call Centre Initiative / WDA

Efforts have been continuing to find a high-profile replacement contract at the site, which continues to employ 360 on other contracts.

7C's new owner said it now wanted to use the acquisition to expand its client base - which could raise hopes of an up-turn in fortunes at the Pembrokeshire facility.

It is unclear whether the news will mean the return of jobs - Vertex has also purchased 75% of the company's New Delhi, India, operation.

Furthermore, Vertex confirmed it had not purchased the call centre building, which is leased to employment agency and 7C partner Manpower by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Hopes dashed

The site, which is at Cleddau Bridge, was a key component of a hopeful new "Cyber Bay" project in the region before economic pressures forced ITV Digital's fall from grace.

7C, which has an annual revenue of �20m, continues to staff 360 workers there (310 through agencies) on other companies' help lines.

The deal will see the transfer of 7C's 213 UK and 221 India employees to Vertex.

Staff will continue to use existing call centres at London, Pembroke, Birkenhead and Liverpool as well as New Delhi.

Help lines run by 7C will join Vertex's own portfolio, which includes Cable & Wireless, Marks and Spencer, Companies House and UGC Cinemas.

When asked whether Vertex would move jobs overseas, company spokesman Nigel Charlton said: "Off-shoring is an opportunity for us".

"[But] it would be wrong to speculate on the extent and potential for further off-shoring - we are essentially a UK-based business."