Member Article

Recruitment firm gets on board with £36m Whitley Bay regeneration scheme

Exclusive Recruitment and HR Consultancy is the latest business to back the £36m Whitley Bay regeneration scheme, with a relocation plan that has already created jobs in the town.

The recruitment firm has invested a five-figure sum in refurbishing office space in the former bank offices on Park View, after moving from its Prestwick Park offices near Newcastle Airport.

The vision for the regeneration of the iconic Spanish City site and adjacent seafront, was given the go-ahead last year by North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet.

In a pledge to support other local businesses, Exclusive’s managing director Mark Ions brought in local tradespeople to transform the building into state of the art offices, plus serviced workspace for small businesses, which has already created a business hub for the area.

Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Norma Redfearn was guest of honour at the official opening of the new premises, which continued the local theme with food provided by Middle East street food brand Papa Ganoush, which is launching its own restaurant on Park View in September. Drinks were provided by local micro brewery Dog and Rabbit, with music by North East band Just SO.

Mark Ions said: “We are delighted by the warm welcome we have had from other businesses in the town, and from North Tyneside Council, which was extremely supportive.

“Whitley Bay was highlighted in a recent Guardian piece about the renaissance of Northern coastal towns, and as a local resident myself, bringing up a young family here, I am keen to work with other local companies and become part of a business community that will help to drive the town’s prosperity.

“We are a different type of recruitment company, one that acts with honestly and professionalism and we take our corporate social responsibility very seriously, which is why we were keen to involve as many local suppliers as we could to refurbish the building and help us celebrate the launch.”

LMA Training and Consultancy, softplay specialists Kiki’s Cabin and two event management companies have already moved into the small business hub alongside Exclusive’s team.

“As well as providing space for other businesses we have already created two permanent jobs and we expect to bring more jobs to the area as we achieve our growth plans,” said Mark.

“The last nine years has seen us grow into a business using technology to service a UK-wide client base, which leaves us free to base the business somewhere with a good work-life balance for our staff.

“With its good transport links, including the nearby Metro, Whitley Bay fits the bill and we are delighted to be part of the town’s regeneration. This is an exciting time for the area, and for our business.”

Norma Redfearn added: “The council is doing all it can to attract new businesses and help them set up here. I am therefore delighted to meet Mark and his team and to officially open their new office in the centre of Whitley Bay.

“He has used local businesses where he can to fit out the office and supply the food, drink and even the brilliant entertainment for the launch.”

She added: “Mark is a great ambassador for the town and I wish him and his team lots of success in this latest venture.”

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