Shard telephone enquiries to be answered in Norwich

Norwich-based OpenContact has been awarded the contract to manage telephone bookings and customer service calls for The View from The Shard.

"The Shard is an international icon and work of art," said OpenContact's head of client services Steve Gregory.

"The View from The Shard will enable visitors to unlock London's culture, architecture and history and we are thrilled to be involved in one of the most significant international launches of 2013."

Anders Nyberg, the chief executive of the viewing galleries at the Shard, said: "We are delighted to have OpenContact on board to help us provide the highest level of customer experience for The View from The Shard.

"OpenContact's expertise in managing customer services for visitor attractions will help us to ensure that our guests have the best possible experience, even before they arrive."

However, the visitor attraction will provide some jobs for local people. The London Bridge Jobcentre Plus tweeted this week:

Shard Visitor Centre Staff – 50 jobs available, please come into London Bridge Jobcentre to be booked a slot – MUST live in Southwark #jobs

— LondonBridgeJCP (@LondonBridgeJCP) July 19, 2012

Tickets to visit the attraction, which opens on 1 February 2013, will cost £29.95 with a £5 discount for advance booking.