GROWING businesses have access to one central source of support for all their needs when it comes to finding the right business space in Tyne and Wear.
The area boasts a wide selection of commercial properties from city centre office space to internationally renowned business parks and industrial units that make it an attractive location for expanding companies.
And with over 25 years of experience – and one of the biggest databases of commercial property in the region – Tyne and Wear Development Company can help businesses with their search, offering free and confidential support tailored to all individual needs.
The company works with investors of all sizes from large multi-nationals to local start-up businesses and has experienced a significant increase in the breadth of organisations it has worked with over the last decade as the regional economy has diversified.
This has been reflected in recent months with SMEs from across the automotive, manufacturing, medical and filtration sectors all receiving support with key investment projects.
Family owned transport business A+M Wyness is one of those to benefit and is now motoring ahead with its expansion plans. It set Tyne and Wear Development Company the challenge of finding a workshop base for its vehicle repair operation with good transport links after struggling to find a suitable location. The company has now invested in a new facility on Team Valley and is looking to add to its workforce.
Other SMEs have enjoyed similar success. Start-up business Eden Memorials was able to secure a deal for a workshop and showroom within one week of contacting Tyne and Wear Development Company. The South Tyneside-based business specialises in headstones and monumental sculpture from its base at Boldon Colliery.
While property is an area of specific expertise, Tyne and Wear Development Company’s support extends far beyond this to all matters linked to business investment. The services delivered by the agency include:
Property searches, guidance and location advice
Inward investment support
Funding advice
Local knowledge, tailored research and regional statistics
Strategic Account Management
Such an in-depth approach and comprehensive level of service has given the region a real advantage over the last three decades in attracting inward investors. Tyne and Wear Development Company’s support, knowledge and expertise has benefited hundreds of major investors such as Gestamp, HM Plant and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) which have invested millions in the region and created thousands of jobs in the process.
Two of the most recent beneficiaries are construction giant Balfour Beatty and Tesco Bank – which now have flagship centres in Tyne and Wear. In both cases, Tyne and Wear Development Company was able the help the management teams handling these projects by providing a comprehensive package of business support. Over many months the agency worked to identify suitable premises, provide background information and bespoke research on the region. It also acted as a broker for each company, introducing them to other sources of support and key contacts in the region.
Having set up home in Tyne and Wear, Balfour Beatty and Tesco Bank are enjoying life at their new bases.
Balfour Beatty’s customer service centre opened in 2010 and provides centralised support services for the 14 companies it runs in the UK. It recently announced it was creating 200 new jobs at the centre – adding to the 250 people it already employs at its North Tyneside base. The growth is a reflection of the success it has enjoyed here, having already saved the company £15m in efficiencies.
Tesco Bank has enjoyed similar success since opening its doors in 2009. Initially employing 500, it has seen the workforce in its general insurances division grow steadily ever since to almost 1,000.
Paul Buie, manager of Tyne and Wear Development Company, added: “The success of projects like Balfour Beatty, Tesco Bank and other major investors over the years is fantastic news for the region and is a great example when we’re talking to other leads and potential investors.
“People recognise the qualities of Tyne and Wear as a place to invest and that’s testimony not only to the facilities we have available but also the workforce and support we offer.
“Having worked on these projects it’s very rewarding to see them go from strength to strength.”
To discuss investment opportunities in Tyne and Wear contact 0191 516 9099, or email locations@tyne-wear.co.uk
For further information, visit www.tyne-wear.co.uk