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Digital and creative businesses urged not to miss out on rates relief incentives.

With the deadline looming, local property and regeneration specialist Jomast is urging digital and creative businesses looking for new office space not to miss out on five years’ rates relief available at Albert North.

Albert North sits within Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter, which is a government-approved enterprise zone.

This status means companies operating in the digital technology and creative sector who relocate here can qualify for business rate relief of up to £55,000 per year for five years, totalling £275,000.

The current business rate discount period ends on 31st March, and businesses that take space in Albert North ahead of the deadline will be entitled to the enterprise zone rate relief.

Albert Road, a main thoroughfare in the town, was transformed into Albert North three years ago, and the area’s rebirth has gone from strength to strength.

Since regeneration of the area started, Jomast has let over 50,000 sq ft and welcomed numerous high-profile digital and creative businesses, including Big Bite, Salesfire, SockMonkey, Mabo, Appamondo, LouTom Media, iConvert and Wander Films.

Its collection of eclectic and historical buildings and close proximity to Middlesbrough Rail Station, which offers direct trains to London, has proved very popular with businesses that have chosen to relocate to the area.

Exterior of TWENTYEIGHT/32 Albert North

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said:

“The opportunity to benefit from business rates relief within this enterprise zone will finish at the end of next month.

“The amount businesses can save is significant, and we don’t want anyone to miss out, which is why we are urging eligible companies looking for office space to come down and take a look at what Albert North has to offer.”

CGI of office space at Albert North

Sarah McCormick, COO of Big Bite, which relocated to Albert North over a year ago and benefitted from the enterprise zone status, added:

“We had outgrown our previous office space and had ambitious growth plans in place, so we needed to relocate, and Albert North provided the perfect solution to accommodate our future plans.

“The rate relief incentive represented a significant saving and meant we could redirect money we would have spent on this into fitting out the new office, recruiting additional staff and accelerating our expansion.”

The response to Albert North has been tremendous, and with such a high occupancy level, Jomast is currently refurbishing TWENTYEIGHT/32 to make more office space available.

Mark added:

“This building offers circa 24,000 sq ft over six floors and will benefit from a complete refit including a new reception, new lifts and external enhancements.

“Once again, we’re working with interior design specialists Cocoon & Bauer to ensure we provide the open, modern and flexible space businesses are looking for to meet their growing needs.”

CGI of reception at Albert North

Businesses relocating to Albert North can also take advantage of an incentive scheme that includes perks such as high-speed broadband, rent incentives, free public health initiatives for all staff and a town centre loyalty card with exclusive discounts.

Anyone interested in leasing units should contact Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast on 01642 666 936 or visit www.albertnorth.co.uk for more details.

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