Bangalore: India's leading BPO firm ICICI OneSource today (Jan 29, 2004) confirmed that UK-based Shop Direct had withdrawn a trial assignment from its Bangalore call centre, and attributed it to "strategic internal changes" at the UK firm and not because of quality.

"The services were withdrawn based on strategic internal changes which have been effectuated at the client's (Shop Direct) end. Our client has acknowledged that the engagement has been a success and that significant contributions have been made to client's business," ICICI OneSource COO and President Raju Bhatnagar said in a statement.

The 250 people who were employed on the project have been absorbed into the company as part of ICICI OneSource's expansion plans and there will be no loss of jobs.

A Shopdirect statement, faxed by ICICI OneSource said, the call centre outsourcing ceased operations following the acquisition by its parent March U K Ltd, the Equation and Reality business of Argos.

"The trial was established during March 2002 as a response to the growth in call volumes driven by the Argos business. As a result of the purchase of the Equation and Reality businesses by March U K Ltd on May 27, 2003, the requirement to continue the trial ceased," it said.

"We feel that the trial has been a success and that significant contributions have been made to the business. We would like to thank our partner for their professionalism and exemplary service throughout the period of the trial," it said.