FEATURE
CENTRE OF ATTRACTION
Newcomers – Corporate Personal Wellbeing is one of a number of new occupiers at the Wilton Centre . Pictured ( from left ) director Patrick Masheder , Lisa Hutchinson , director Johnny Harrison , Tom Andrews and Donna Aldred .
Wilton Centre described as ‘ hive of innovation ’ as new tenants arrive
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson ( WBD ) has underlined its commitment to Teesside by moving into a bigger office at the Wilton Centre . The company ’ s expansion is further evidence of the centre ’ s attraction due to its location and the quality of its working environment , shared spaces and amenities .
Describing the Wilton Centre as “ a hive of innovation in the UK ”, Sarah Daun – UK partner at WBD – said : “ As a firm dedicated to embracing and driving innovation in the legal sector , the new space is a perfect base from which we can support our clients .
“ Bolstering our presence in one of the most economically active regions in the UK will support the growth of our clients , many based only a stone throw away from the Wilton Centre , enable us to recruit more talent and present exciting new opportunities for us to be involved in .”
Peter Snaith , WBD ’ s UK partner and head of manufacturing , added : “ In my 27 years as a lawyer supporting industry on Teesside , I have never known there to be as many enquiries from inward investors as there are currently .
“ We look forward to expanding on the work we do with the business community across the region and leveraging our local , national and international expertise to promote inward investment opportunities for Teesside .”
A new occupier also sees the centre as a catalyst for growth and has moved its headquarters there .
The TRL Group has just been awarded a multi-year global contract with a leading global energy company .
It will provide support for lifting and hoisting expertise across all lines of its client ’ s operations , both on and offshore .
But , according to its managing director Steve Smith , one of the many reasons for coming to the Wilton Centre is to increase its footprint on Teesside .
“ Even though TRL works all around the world , we still want to expand our presence in the UK and , especially , on Teesside ,” he said .
“ We have already been involved with some of the biggest projects in the North- East , working on Tees Rep Biomass , Woodsmith Mine and as principal contractor for Huntsman on the Wilton site , but everything ’ s now happening around here and there ’ s going to be a lot more work coming up . The Wilton Centre is the epicentre and we want to be in here among it all .”
Steve said he is looking forward to welcoming clients from around the world to TRL ’ s new office , the restaurant and meeting rooms and he wants his hardworking team to be able to use the building ’ s new Wellbeing Centre to be able to “ get away from it for a bit ”.
This centre is operated by Darlingtonbased Corporate Personal Wellbeing . Its directors met 10 years ago when personal trainer Johnny Harrison treated Patrick Masheder ’ s bad arm and neck .
In 2015 they launched their first Wellbeing Centre in an office block and after opening their second at the Wilton Centre , they employ 16 staff and work with dozens of health care professionals .
The Wellbeing Centre is now open 24 / 7 to cater for all different working patterns . With high-tech fitness equipment as well as treatment and consultation rooms , the team there is focused on all aspects of people ’ s health .
“ Loads of people have problems with their mental wellbeing – but often they ignore the signs ,” said Johnny .
“ Our psychotherapists and counsellors help people before it becomes problematic and then so bad that they have to take time off work .
“ We realised there was a gap in the market – nobody was looking after their employees properly and proactively ,” added Patrick .
“ Businesses want to be successful and they achieve that by looking after their most important asset – and that ’ s their people .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 123