National Receivables Group Goes Solo

The Australian collections company National Receivables Group becomes the latest kid on the block when it comes to the Philippine BPO scene. Previously dealing with IP Contact Center Outsourcing Inc. to outsource its call center operations, the NRG has decided to set up its very own call center here in the Philippines after considering several factors over India.

The tough labor market in Australia and better conditions of the BPO industry here in the Philippines have contributed in the decision to finally set-up a stand alone center says NRG chief Michelle Bubke. Initial plan is to complete a roster of 60 pioneer agents up to the year's end and expand to 600 18 months later.

Collections reps will surely find this a welcome development as NRG offers days shifts because the clients are primarily Australians.

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Accenture Philippines Gets Mommy-Friendly Award

Guys and girls, I heard so many good things recently about Accenture that it makes me think about getting in there myself. I have tons of friends over there that are very happy with their careers right now. One friend even enjoyed two trips to a European country in separate occasions to train. All expense paid, continuous salary on top of the daily allowance and other miscellaneous allowances. I'm also hearing they've got great employee benefits as well. The only bummer I see is that they only accept college graduates at the moment unless they've changed policies recently.

Today I read another story that adds another feather to the cap of Accenture. Recently, a widely recognized organization called WoW-Mothers announced that they will be awarding Accenture a recognition for the company's progressive policies in support of working mothers-the company has provided. Read the full story on the press release here.

So if you're looking to find a better place to work for next time. Try Accenture. They're located at the back of Robinson's Pioneer mall. BTW, Accenture offers both voice and back-office work. I'm sure some of you tired of the call center scene would want to try a different path.

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Call Center Survey Time Again!

It's that time of the month again! The last time we had a survey was about which call center company is the worst in terms of employee satisfaction. Respondents overwhelmingly concur Teletech takes the cake. However, the rest of the votes were spread evenly among West Contact Services, Teleperformance and the "others."

This month's survey shall tackle employee confidence for their company. Just to let everybody in on things, most U.S. companies are "tightening their belts" in the land of milk and honey. Even Starbucks slashed 12000 jobs all over the U.S. just last month and closed down 600 store outlets. If the trend continues, we may well soon feel the economic crunch here in our call centers in the Philippines because so much of what we have here depends on the economic climate over there. I've already been hearing quite a few accounts closing from different call centers here and there.

So the survey question is, are you confident of keeping your job despite some very concerning developments in the U.S. and in your call center company? Answer yes or no and if you're kind enough to leave a comment, please do! Click on the comments link below. The survey is on the sidebar. Thanks!

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PeopleSupport Bought By Aegis BPO

Hey guys and girls. I just got bombarded with emails about this latest news to hit the Philippine call center scene. It seems PS, after a long battle and refusal to be bought in or more appropriately a hostile takeover by IPVG months back, is now again on the trading block and things are looking good for a $250 million dollar take-over/merger ( depends on who you ask ) by Aegis BPO from India nonetheless. Here's a small excerpt from a news snippet:

Aegis BPO, part of the Indian business conglomerate Essar Group, said it will buy Philippines' back-office outsourcing group PeopleSupport Inc. for $12.50 a share in a deal worth $250 million.

In a conference call, Aegis said the transaction will be funded through Essar's existing resources.

On completion, PeopleSupport will be delisted and the new company will be called Aegis PeopleSupport, Aparup Sengupta, global chief executive and managing director of Aegis BPO, said.

Aegis PeopleSupport will become a wholly owned unit of Aegis BPO and the deal is expected to complete in the third or fourth quarter of 2009.

I wonder how the PS people are reacting to this. The last time I wrote about PS, there were some violent reactions about their standings and how I wrote about them. Getting bought out inevitably does have mixed implications on all affected parties. Share your thoughts please!

Read about the news from trusted news sources below:

India's Essar Group to buy U.S. firm for $250 million -Reuters

India's Aegis BPO buys Philippines' PeopleSupport in $250 mln deal - Investor Interactive

India's Aegis BPO to merge with Philippines' PeopleSupport -Forbes.com

India's Aegis BPO to merge with Philippines' PeopleSupport - Tradingmarkets.com

Goodbye PS na ba for some of our friends there?

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