Exclusive Recruitment and HR Consultancy 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 business celebrated its ninth anniversary in July and its 10-strong team delivers recruitment services and HR consultancy from Exclusive’s bases in the North East, Scotland and Yorkshire.
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, and was recently voted in the top 16 of the UK’s street food vendors. Drinks were provided by local micro brewery Dog and Rabbit, and 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.”
The last year has seen the Exclusive team scoop a string of UK contracts for clients in the financial services, engineering, manufacturing and professional services sectors. Closer to home it is an on-site recruitment partner for Nissan Sunderland UK, and is working with big names including Santander, Tarmac, Inter Terminals and the Durham and Tees Valley Community Rehabilitation Company.
Welcoming Exclusive to the town, Norma Redfearn said: “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. Mark is a great ambassador for the town and I wish him and his team lots of success in this latest venture.
“Whitley Bay is going from strength to strength, and is undergoing a fantastic transformation with more than £36million of investment to regenerate the coastline and put the area back on the map as an attractive and flourishing place for residents, businesses and visitors.”