A CALL centre is set to expand after winning a prestigious industry award.

Southend-based Ventrica revealed it will create 70 new jobs this year after being named Contact Centre of the Year.

The firm took home the accolade at the London and South East Contact Centre Awards.

It has inspired managing director and founder Dino Forte to convert the company's roof space to accommodate more members of staff.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to win this fantastic accolade. I would like to thank both our wonderful customers for giving us the chance to work with them and also our own incredible team of customer service professionals who have gone above and beyond in their passion and hard work to provide exceptional customer experiences."

The company currently has 330 work stations and intends to increase this to 600.

Further expansion could also take place next year as the company continues to grow.

Mr Forte added: "Service is increasingly being seen as a huge differentiator for UK and global brands whether operating on the high street or online.

"At Ventrica we believe we are at the forefront of delivering exceptional multi-lingual customer experiences for some of the world’s most recognised brands whether on the phone, email or via social platforms.”

Ventrica is now one of the largest employers in Southend and one of the fastest growing businesses in Essex.

Judges gave the award to the company for demonstrating "outstanding achievement" in a number of criteria, including meeting customer and performance targets, teamwork and for its "energy, inspiration and professionalism."

The company looks after several profitable companies, including McDonalds, Barratt Developments, Clarins and Agent Provocateur.

It was founded in 2010 by Mr Forte after he sold his first call centre for a seven-figure sum.

This is the third industry award that Ventrica has won in the space of 12 months.

It received a silver award for Best Outsourcing Partnership at the European Contact Centre and Customer Service Awards and The Direct Commerce 2015 Partnership of the Year Award for Third Party Logistics