Moving into this quirky, stand-out-from-the-crowd office has thrown open the doors to opportunity for one Teesside company.
White Digital transformed Darlington’s former Sloan’s Billiard Room after accessing a business growth grant of more than £11,000. The move gave them plenty of extra space to welcome 100 new clients and 11 new members of staff (plus a further four at the recruitment stage). And thanks to increased capacity, turnover has doubled, too.
The company is one of the beneficiaries of the Tees Valley Business Growth Grant, part of the wraparound service offered by Tees Valley Business (TVB), to support companies across the region. It forms part of a wider commitment from TVB, which is also a proud sponsor of the North East Business Awards 2022 (see below).
And the digital marketing agency’s managing director, Douglas Dinwiddie couldn’t be more grateful.
He said: “Our quirky office has bounds of personality dating back to 1907. We have kept all its original features, from its Victorian tiles to its working bar, and we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be.
“When we got the keys, it was very much still an unused bar environment. We used the grant to fund a full refurbishment, going from an empty bar to a full working office. This included new carpets, furniture, equipment, decorating, creating a boardroom and any maintenance works that were needed.
“Accessing the grant has helped White Digital immensely. By creating a space that allows us to work, grow and network, all under one roof, has opened many doors for us in the past 15 months and increased employment in the local area.
“Applying for the funding was very straightforward. The team were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process and happy to answer any questions we had.”
How TVB could help your business
Established by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, Tees Valley Business is one of 38 growth hubs across the country set up by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It receives support from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
TVB aims to take your business to the next level with expert advice, support, and access to finance and funding. Strong local links and experts with local knowledge can also help organisations as they navigate the business support landscape.
“SMEs are at the heart of our local economy and, as your local growth hub, we make it easy for business owners to access the help needed to boost productivity, profitability and resilience,” explained a spokesperson.
“Our consultants will work with you to understand your unique business needs, challenges, and opportunities, and can help you identify solutions and put a tailored plan in place. We can also support you to understand the finance and funding options which might be available.”
Support is fully funded, which means there is no cost to your business. If you’re based in the Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees) get in touch to see how the team can help. Find Out More
North East Business Awards 2022
Tees Valley Business is proud to sponsor this year’s North East Business Awards. A total of 28 companies from across Teesside have been shortlisted in nine categories with the Teesside heat taking place at Middlesbrough College on Thursday, June 23. The Grand Final is on Thursday, September 29 at Hardwick Hall - tickets and tables are available by booking online at nebusinessawards.co.uk .
