Two companies, which are part of a delegation of 17 IT firms from the UK that have come here to explore opportunities in the East and Northeast, are looking to have a presence in the city, with cumulative employment potential of around 600.

Redoq, which offers AI-integrated solutions, plans to open an office in the city next year taking its headcount to around 560.

Praeferre, which is focussed around data security and privacy, is also expanding with an office in Calcutta with an employment potential of around 30 to 40 people to start with.

Bengal IT minister Babul Supriyo held a meeting with the members of the delegation on Monday evening. “It was a very enlightening and encouraging discussion,” the minister said.

Andrew Fleming, British deputy high commissioner to East and North-East India said cities such as Hyderabad or Bengaluru have their advantages.

However, Calcutta offers low cost of living, staff retention and talent pool. He said that post-pandemic, the Calcutta office of British Telecom was among the first offices globally to be back up and running.

“This is the first time we have brought a tech delegation to Calcutta. We already have one announcement from a company called Redoq that is planning to create some 560 jobs early next year. They have already been convinced.”

“Others have talked about their interest in also coming in and doing things in the East and I am very sure this visit will lead to more because one success story leads to another,” he said.