Digital TV group Yes Television is creating 210 high-tech jobs in Cardiff with a £23m expansion in the city's booming bay area, it was announced today.

Wales First Minister Rhodri Morgan announced the jobs boost this morning during a visit to the company's Cardiff Bay office complex.

The company, which is a global leader providing services via high speed TV, telephone and internet links, will create the new jobs over four years.

Expansion

Recruitment for the first phase expansion is already under way at the company's Cardiff office, which currently employs more than 100.

Today's announcement was made possible by financial support from the Welsh Assembly and the Welsh Development Agency.

Mr Morgan said: "Yes Television is establishing itself as a world leader in digital interactive television and is on target to be come one of Wales' finest blue chip companies.

"Since establishing a base in Cardiff Bay in 1998, Yes Television's development team has grown to over 100 staff and is going from strength to strength.

"I am absolutely delighted that the National Assembly's financial support has helped to ensure that the company's latest project is implemented in Wales.

"Yes Televison is exactly the type of knowledge-based company we need to encourage and grow in Wales.

"Thanks to this development, up to 210 highly skilled, high quality new technology jobs will be created in Cardiff over the next four years."

Thomas Kressener, company chairman and chief executive, said: "Wales has the vision to support the development of one of the first and most exciting of these broadband services.

"As a result, the Yes Televison board is confident that Wales is the right place for the expansion of our highly skilled development teams.

"The Assembly's financial support and the assistance from the WDA is much appreciated and will help us to invest in the best people and the most innovative technology."

end