Former tax man takes up art of persuasion

Jun 9 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A NEW post has been created to persuade businesses to look at the Wansbeck area of Northumberland as a place to start up or relocate.

The Wansbeck Business Forum has appointed Luke Dunnett as commercial premises co-ordinator to cover Ashington, Bedlington and Newbiggin by the Sea. His job is to help both new and established businesses to find premises in the area and to act as the first contact for developers planning to build in Wansbeck.

They include industrial units on the North Seaton Business Park and multi-function storage units at Sleekburn Business Centre that are in the pipeline. He has spoken to a number of property developers considering investment in the area and taken more than 30 inquiries from businesses seeking premises since taking over the role.

Former tax man Mr Dunnett said: “Whether it is advising on shop rental availability or the allocation of new warehousing facilities, I get a real buzz from seeing businesses set up and develop in the Wansbeck area.

“Wansbeck has a thriving business community.

“I am pleased that my role is making it easier for businesses to locate to the area and at the same time helping to improve the local economy.”