Naylors helps power North East expansion of tech pioneer

A provider of cloud-based intranet solutions is expanding in the North East following a deal secured by commercial property specialist Naylors.

The first floor of Harrison House in Durham city centre has been acquired by Oak Intranet, and is to become their second office in the region. The move comes after the organisation was introduced to the team at Naylors by Business Durham, the economic development organisation for County Durham.

Business Durham was also able to support Oak Intranet by enabling the firm to access £700,000 of investment from the Finance Durham Fund.

The Fund was established by Durham County Council to support the growth of businesses located in, or looking to relocate to the County, who are working toward the development of new products, entering new markets or expanding their operations.

Jessica Ross, associate director in Naylors’ office agency department, said: “We’re grateful to have been able to assist Oak Intranet establish their new office within such an amazing building, and to Business Durham for helping us to connect in the first place.

“High specification office space is in limited supply in Durham city centre and this building in particular has a very unique style.

“As part of a well-located mixed-use development, there are plenty of amenities close by, and as a converted mill and factory within a conservation area, it has retained a number of attractive features, including large windows and exposed stonework. The current footprint of the building dates back to 1872.”

Oak is due to move in to the 1,935 sq ft space, which will primarily serve as a training facility for its 55-strong team, next month.

Oak’s finance director Neville Bearpark added: “Harrison House delivers the versatility and functionality we need to help our plans take shape.

“It is close to Durham train station, the A1, and the A690, and Jessica and her team couldn’t have been more helpful in supporting us throughout the process. We can’t wait to move in.”