Coimbatore lacks brand identity to be preferred IT destination

‘Is Coimbatore a destination of choice for the IT-BPO companies that have established operations here or has the city emerged as the ‘ideal IT destination?'

This debate has been going on for years with the CII, Coimbatore zone, promoting the city as the ‘ideal destination', while those that have forayed here maintain that it seemed ‘destination of choice' when the costs were escalating and attrition rates – peaking in tier I cities, though not any more.

“Coimbatore is as costly or more than some of the bigger IT hubs. Land prices have soared in recent years, connectivity still remains an issue and above all, it has not been easy retaining the middle management team,” say industry insiders.

The 20-odd industry captains who converged at the 11th edition of Nasscom CEO Forum at The Residency this morning felt that a lot more needs to be done to remain on top and emerge a stronger IT- BPO destination.

Hurdles

Highlighting some of the hurdles in this growth journey, Mr K. Purushothaman, Regional Director, Nasscom (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) said “while the region has a lot to offer in terms of talent pool, climate, educational institutions and so on, it lacked a sponsor, brand identity to market Coimbatore. There is a need to team up within the industry, instead of voicing woes in isolation.”

He urged the industry captains to come together, unite, throw up innovative ideas and compile industry-wide facts and figures (not company data) when seeking Government's support for resolving any issue.

“The Government has multiple things to do, but we must team up within the industry while working with the Government,” he said.

Innovation

He also pointed out that companies would outgrow the present day challenges and should therefore prepare themselves to take the lead and keep the ball rolling. “Be proactive, not reactive' he said.

Summing up the proceedings, Mr Joginder P. Singh, President and Managing Director of Ford Business Service Centre, conceded that the pace of growth was good, challenges – numerous but not insurmountable. “We should see the challenges as opportunities, collaborate and take the lead in addressing the issues ourselves instead of waiting for someone to take the first step,” he said.

And for Mr Singh, the way forward would be in identifying a brand ambassador for Coimbatore.

Immense potential

Referring to infrastructure and connectivity, he said, “there is huge business potential here, be it in the area of the hospitality sector, housing, rail and road connectivity and talent availability. While the talent pool here is good in particular skills, they lag in many other skill sets; lack of vendor capability and cost competitiveness are other issues that need to be resolved. There is space for at least half-a-dozen big players to tap the potential here,” he said.

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