New International Trade headquarters to join new Treasury in Darlington for "jobs-led recovery"

A new international trade hub is set to be established in the North of England as part of plans to “level up” the country.

The Department of International Trade (DIT) will be establishing a new satellite headquarters in Darlington, it announced today.

This comes following the news that the Treasury will be relocating 750 of its staff to a new headquarters in the town.

The government has predicted that by 2030, 500 DIT staff will be based at the new site.

The department will also be creating three trade hubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The hubs will be established as part of a new strategy to boost exports and ensure that the whole of the UK benefits from the country’s trade policy.

Liz Truss, international trade secretary, commented: “I’m determined to use UK trade policy to benefit every part of the UK.

“These Trade and Investment Hubs will help this country to an export and jobs-led recovery.

“They will mean we can channel investment into all corners of the country, and that exporters – whether they’re selling Scotch beef, Welsh Lamb or cars made in the North of England – have access to the expertise they need to sell into the fastest growing markets.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This announcement by the International Trade Secretary puts Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool at the centre of UK trade policy like never before.

“Make no mistake, the Department of International Trade is only coming here because we were able to secure the Treasury.

“It’s not just Civil Service jobs that are coming here, we’re attracting interest from a host of major financial, law and accountancy firms who are now looking for offices here because they want to be close to government. It’s clear Darlington is entering a new boom time.

“Having Treasury and now the Department of International Trade coming here is not only good for the government, but it is also good for local jobs.”

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