OLD Trafford based regeneration consortium, Procure Plus, has pledged to deliver at least 300 employment, training and work placements in the North West.

The positions will be generated as a result of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) levy, which is paid at a rate of one per cent by customers on all eight of the frameworks, spanning new build, repairs and maintenance, as well as gas servicing and building products.

During its previous financial year, the value of projects delivered via the organisation’s frameworks totalled £120 million, generating a CSR contribution for the region of £1.2 million.

The one per cent levy fund, created to support the communities in which Procure Plus’ members operate, assists both employers and prospective employees by providing funding and mentoring to ensure the transition into work is a smooth as possible for both parties.

Procure Plus also provided its members with £18 million worth of savings against the market average over the 2014/15 year, demonstrating a 13 per cent saving against competitors on the typical, comparable project.

Mike Brogan, chief executive at Procure Plus, explained: “While our members may approach our frameworks with financial savings front of mind, by working with us they also receive a more efficient way of working and, crucially, high levels of regeneration across their region.

“Through the creation of these jobs, we can boost the North West economy, while at the same time providing local people with sustainable, long term job opportunities in a wide variety of sectors.”