Garlands Call Centres has opened the first phase of its contact centre in Stockton, which has created 120 jobs.
Once completed, the centre, at Preston Farm, will be made up of five buildings, each capable of housing 200 workers.
Construction is under way on the second building, which will be open within a few months.
Chief executive Chey Garland said she was trying to create a more pleasant working environment in the offices.
"The importance of having an effective working environment cannot be underestimated," she said.
"Sterile, strip-lit call centre 'factories' simply don't work."
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