UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, has appointed Joan Cook to the new role of Workspace Manager in the North.
She will be responsible for managing UKSE’s two flagship Innovation Centres at Hartlepool’s Queens Meadow Business Park and on the Kirkleatham Business Park at Redcar. Both Centres were purpose built in the early 2000s, proving so popular that multi-million pound extensions were soon added.
Joan, who lives in Hartlepool, joined UKSE in 2012 as an Administrator, helping to ensure the smooth running of the Innovation Centre there and supporting tenants on a daily basis. She will now manage both Centres where around 100 businesses currently occupy offices and workshop units.
“I have really enjoyed working in a busy Centre where there is such a friendly and supportive community,” she said. “Starting and growing a business, especially in recent times, demands hard work, time and commitment and our aim is to leave our tenants free to concentrate on their own businesses. I know that tenants appreciate having a team from UKSE always on-site. I am looking forward to taking on the additional challenges of this new role.”
Sarah Thorpe, UKSE Regional Manager said: “Demand for space at our Centres continues to grow and we have additional plans in the pipeline too, so we recognised the need for a designated Workspace Manager.
”Joan has built up invaluable experience since joining UKSE and working so closely with our business tenants. We are delighted she is taking on this important new role,” she added.
The Centres house businesses involved in sectors from finance, engineering, healthcare and roofing to design, freight and software. Along with cost-effective rents and easy-in-easy-out terms, tenants have 24/7 access, free parking, high speed broadband, a serviced reception, meeting rooms and even an on-site gym.
The provision of premises is an important part of UKSE’s support for businesses in steel areas, alongside a range of financial packages of up to £1m, all aimed at helping them to boost growth and create jobs.
UKSE has now invested more than £22m in businesses in the Northern region with a further £12m invested in business premises and a Community Support Fund to help local projects.