Amazon to need non-geographical numbers for Edinburgh site?

Date: 26/05/2011

Online retailer Amazon may require non-geographical numbers at a new customer service centre it intends to open in Edinburgh.

The firm will offer telephone customer support to consumers who have purchased items using its UK webstore from the site at Waverley Gate.

Around 900 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the move and vice-president of European operations and customer service at Amazon Allan Lyall said the company is seeing a greater need for support services as it expands into new markets.

"Edinburgh is an outstanding location, providing us with access to a highly skilled workforce who will help us to achieve the high standards of customer service that shoppers at Amazon.co.uk expect," he remarked.

Amazon's decision to open a site in the Scottish city may encourage other businesses to do the same, which could require non-geographical numbers to give themselves a national presence.

Another high-profile company, risk management firm Aon, recently signed a deal to take up office space in London, a move that may see it require new phone numbers.