What do businesses want from their workspace? It’s a question the North East BIC never stops asking. We drop in on the Sunderland site to see how it’s responding to the needs of today’s entrepreneurs.
It’s no secret that the UK office market has suffered from declining demand over recent years. Economic factors including rising inflation and changing work habits, particularly the rise of flexible hybrid working, have taken their toll.
Yet business hubs like the BIC are bucking that trend, with the business landlord achieving impressive 90 percent occupancy levels. So, what is the BIC doing so differently to retain its popularity at the grand old age of 30?
“We’re so much more than just a place to work,” says Chief Executive Paul McEldon. “We’re a thriving neighbourhood, connected by shared spaces, effective support services and – most importantly perhaps – a strong community spirit.
“And because the BIC is a social enterprise, we’re a different kind of landlord. We have purpose, not profit, at our heart. We’re not just interested in collecting the rent at the end of the month.
“We’re driven by our desire to support local businesses to be the very best they can be, so we’re constantly evolving what we offer to meet these changing needs.”
As the business hub marks its third decade as home to a diverse range of businesses, some requirements remain just as important to tenants as they were on day one.
Paul added: “The era of hybrid working, environmental responsibiliy, and an increased understanding of the importance of wellbeing at work has influenced many recent changes we’ve made onsite. But some things do stay the same.
“Our free and easy car parking, for example, remains one of our big attractions, especially for clients who need the ability to come and go throughout the day or those who need customer parking.”
Meet the tenants
Let’s meet some of the latest tenants and find out why they’ve chosen the BIC to call home.
Schwartz Patrick Media
Independent film production company Schwartz Patrick Media specialises in factual and documentary TV formats for national and international broadcasters including the BBC, Sky, ITN, Channel 4, Paramount+ and Discovery+.
The company is based in a riverside unit and works closely with the BIC’s resident business advisers to grow its operation, accessing new networks and opportunities including a graduate placement scheme at Sunderland University.
Co-founder Ben Schwartz said: “We’re very happy here at the BIC – it’s such a positive environment. We’re directly opposite to the Crown Works Studio site and it’s so exciting to see Sunderland transforming on our doorstep.
“Having our own business adviser, Debbie Simpson, on site is fantastic too. Debbie has her finger on the pulse when it comes to everything that’s out there – whether it’s funding or opportunities. She saves us so much time by putting us in touch with the right people at the right time.”
Wellness Space
Wellness Space is one of the most recent additions to the BIC’s growing community of health and wellness businesses on site.
The business hosts a wide range of yoga and wellness sessions, events and retreats, and recently relocated to the riverside after outgrowing its original studio.
Founder Claire Lormor said: “The increased space will allow us to host bigger and better classes, the 24/7 access will accommodate early, evening and weekend sessions and the free parking and easy access to the A19, which may sound trivial, are things our customers are saying really make their lives easier.
“We’ve also recently launched our own running and walking clubs, so location wise, it is just ideal being placed so close to the riverbank and the coast-to-coast route. It really ticks all the boxes.”
Your new HQ?
Designed to stimulate productivity and collaboration, the BIC offers flexible and affordable workspaces ranging from 150 to 3,000 sq ft across a 14-acre site.
With options including balconies, river views, mezzanine floors and communal areas, the BIC packed with head office potential.
To find out more or to arrange a viewing, contact Centre Manager Doreen Howard on 0191 516 6066 or email [email protected]
