Member Article

iChoose Limited trebles its space at North East BIC

iChoose Limited, an e-commerce business based at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), has expanded into a bigger office at the Sunderland site.

Moving from a 400 sq ft plot to a 1,460 sq ft space, the firm has made the switch to facilitate its recent growth. The company has seen turnover jmp to £675k this year and is targeting the £1m mark within the next two years.

The company, which sells phone, tablet and I.T. accessories online, was launched in 2012 and the latest move is the company’s second expansion since moving to the BIC in early 2014.

Richard Cattle, MD, said: “I started the business from home, whilst I was still employed but soon enough I had outgrown my office in the spare bedroom and it was time to move into professional premises.

“The BICs competitive prices and its managed office space is what won it for me. As a new company, I needed more than just an office and the support from the BIC has been invaluable.”

Richard added: “Although it’s hard work running my own business, it is very rewarding. I am proud that I have set up this business and it’s gone from strength to strength. The future of the company is positive and I hope to continue to expand and employ more staff in the future, whilst remaining at the BIC.”

Donna Surtees, senior space adviser added: “iChoose are a perfect example of a start-up company which really hit the ground running. Richard’s hard work has paid off and it is fantastic that we are able to offer the business larger space when needed, right here at the BIC.”