The Office Co. plans for SME growth following investment

The Gateshead property firm set to expand its customer facilities at its Gateshead site, Metropolitan House, following an undisclosed five figure investment.

The Office Co., which provides managed and serviced accommodation for start-ups and small businesses, will see the extension and improvement of conference facilities alongside the development of social workspace for creative industries.

The move is being supported by additional investment in superfast wireless broadband services to deliver high-speed fibre connectivity for upwards of 50 tenants. IT and engineering specialists Advantex, which has worked with The Office Co. since 2006, is delivering these services alongside Virgin Media.

The plans are part of an ambitious strategy by owner Lynn Gate to double the size of the business in the next three years, which currently has sales of approximately £500,000 to meet the needs of creative industries and other fast growing small businesses.

Lynn Gate, together with her daughter Rebekah (pictured), who has joined as sales and marketing director, also plans to expand the firm’s reach, targeting demand for services in the burgeoning sectors in London and Manchester.

The Office Co. has provided quality managed and serviced office accommodation across sites in Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham over the past 10 years, built around flexible all-inclusive rents and the core values of a community driven business environment.

Lynn Gate, who started the business in 2006, has also worked with commercial landlords and businesses to secure tenants for office space they have available for sub-letting.

Rebekah said: “We have ambitious plans for expansion, extended conference facilities coming on stream soon and a new-look brand-oriented website to support our sales and marketing drive.

“With the emerging creative sector on our horizon coupled with plans for national brand expansion, we are committed to building a team of like-minded entrepreneurial leaders enabling the core values of The Office Co. to widen its reach and inspire a new generation of business.”