INDEPENDENT telecoms provider TenTel has unveiled plans to create more than 40 jobs, after being awarded a £170,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant.

The Scottish-based operation, which noted it had built a team of 50 employees since its launch last year, highlighted plans to increase its workforce to more than 100 over the next 12 months as it targets the signing up of a further 50,000 customers during this period. RSA awards are overseen by the taxpayer-backed Scottish Enterprise.

Both TenTel and Scottish Enterprise highlighted the importance of the RSA funding in accelerating the telecoms company’s growth plans.

TenTel also highlighted plans to relocate to larger premises outside Edinburgh.

The company, which offers superfast optic fibre, broadband and telephone services, targets the residential lettings market. It majors on its positioning in the market as a “no-contract” broadband and telephone services provider.

TenTel declared that it gave “residential tenants the opportunity to have phone and broadband services live the day they arrive at their new property”.

The company was founded by PJ Darling, the Canadian entrepreneur who also started Selkirk-based electricity and gas supplier Spark Energy.

Daniel Halliday, head of finance at TenTel said: “We have been very well supported by Scottish Enterprise and the RSA funding is extremely important to our future. We are absolutely customer-focused, and it is critical that we are able to build a strong and well-trained team able to deliver the highest standards of customer service.”

He added: “This funding will be transformational to the pace at which we can grow our team and continue to serve our customers. We’ve already created a number of great job opportunities and this funding will allow us to create even more as we grow our business in the future.”

Anke Heggie, senior director for company growth support at Scottish Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support TenTel in their growth ambitions. This funding is set to generate exponential growth by accelerating market penetration.”