Better Has Moved to Middlesbrough!

We’ve spent the last few months getting excited about the new move, deciding on paints, the shape of our desks, and pretty much everything down to the accessories and finishing touches; and now we’re here, it just feels right. The decision for moving was made by us after a booming couple of years and significant growth in the business, creating a need for an increased space for studio expansion and facilities.

After looking around at several office spaces, we weren’t convinced until we laid our eyes on this place in Queen’s Square. The reason behind the selection of this particular building, is that it is steeped in heritage and historically paints a beautiful picture. Not only that, but it is pretty quirky in style and interior, which we absolutely love!

Big windows, tall ceilings, some beautiful original features and a cracking view of the Transporter Bridge!

Recruitment has been of major importance in quarter four, as we have invested in the skills of three new people and a business administration apprentice. As the team is growing, we are adding more strings to our bow in regards to the services that we offer, so we thought it would be the right idea to move on to pastures new.

Not only have we welcomed some fresh eyes and brains into the office, but we have also been developing stronger relationships with skills organisations such as NECC, High Tide Foundation, Teesside University, and Digital City.

We recruited our business administration apprentice through an apprenticeship program with the North East Chamber of Commerce. This program provides 16-24 year olds with the opportunity of employment, which we think is so important given that a lot of young people coming out of college find it difficult seeking work, or even valuable experience that can spark their careers.

With Mark recently being appointed as board member of the High Tide Foundation (more on that later), we are proud to be creating a stronger relationship with the wider industrial community on Teesside, helping to raise aspirations and employment opportunities for young people.

Plenary House itself is very nostalgic as it is the restored historic home of two of Teesside’s founding fathers. The building is grade II listed and is immersed in Middlesbrough’s proud industrial heritage as it was occupied previously by Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan.

Bolckow and Vaughan spent their working days in the building from 1841 to 1860, which is commemorated by this glorious plaque displayed on the wall beside the entrance of our new home.

And they weren’t the only infamous Teesside names to grow their companies in this place, as former Mayor of Middlesbrough and founder of the Tees Towing Company, Sir William Gladstone resided here, too! Take a look at the video below from 1965 which shows the building in its heyday.

The building recently underwent a massive makeover and full renovation in early 2013, upgrading the facilities and restoring some of the original features, which include staircases, cast iron radiators and ceilings. In fact, the best feature of the whole building is that it boasts a stunning fireplace, which was recovered from the Cunard ocean liner, RMS Aquitania from 1914, which preceded the grand trio of express liners, RMS Mauretania and RMS Lusitania. Amazing!

We are extremely happy in our new home and we hope that you will pop in for a cuppa when you’re in the area!