The voice of business in the Tees region | 63
Albert North family
grows strong
T
he continued resurgence and
redevelopment of Albert North by local
property developer and regeneration
specialists, Jomast, continues apace with
an eclectic and colourful list of companies
settling in nicely to the highly desirable area.
Mark Hill, commercial property director
at Jomast, has aimed to bring together “a
variety of businesses that complement each
other to create a city feel vibe” - and so far
his vision is certainly coming together.
This once-bustling commercial district
has benefited from significant regeneration
since work to reinvigorate the area
started 12 months ago. Rich in historic
architecture, Albert North is home to some
of Middlesbrough’s most iconic buildings,
and each one has been carefully restored to
suit the needs of today’s businesses.
Data management platform Carbon DMP
is one of the latest tenants to join the Albert
North family. The 24-strong business, who
plan to double in size within 18 months,
has occupied 5,000 sq ft in the SIXTEEN26
building alongside a vibrant community
that features fast-growing e-commerce
companies such as Mabo and Salesfire.
They join established tenants such as
Alkaline Kitchen, a much-lauded vegan cafe,
the brainchild of Anna Halbert and Luke
Dobbing who sing the praises of their new
landlords.
“Jomast made it so easy; they were
extremely helpful and always on hand to
assist and answer any questions we had,”
states Anna.
Mabo, award-winning pay-per-click
specialists, have also settled nicely into their
6,000 sq ft office space at SIXTEEN26 and
are already expanding on another floor by
taking a further 5,000 sq ft later this year.
Proving a huge hit with hungry local
business folk and the general public alike
is Pie Jackers’ bakery, diner and takeaway
service, based at 17 Albert Road in former
court chambers. Conceived by husband
and wife team Neil and Julie Fletcher, Pie
Jackers’ new space is perfectly suited to
the creation of the couples’ artistic, award-
winning delicacies.
Businesses interested in locating to
Albert North can contact Mark Hill at
Jomast, on 01642 666936 for further
information or to arrange a viewing. You
can also visit albertnorth.co.uk for more
details.
Four additions
add to Erimus
expansion
T
eesside-headquartered Erimus
Insurance Brokers have announced
further expansion with the recruitment
of several key staff members as they target
a £20m premium turnover.
The only brokerage headquartered on
Teesside, Erimus are continuing an exciting
18-month period that has already seen them
open a Newcastle office whilst moving to
a larger Teesside HQ at Bowesfield Park,
Stockton.
As part of the continuing expansion,
Erimus have recruited Terry Kelly and
Lynn Roberts as account executives, Kate
Barwick as a corporate broker and Graeme
Mills as a claims manager.
Terry, Lynn and Kate have joined Erimus
from a national competitor following a
recent acquisition.
Paul Davison, commercial director for
Erimus, said: “Many independent brokers
fear national brokerages entering their
market space. That’s not the case for
Erimus. We have seen year on year growth
and are currently on target for £20m
premium turnover in the next 12 months.”
Paul believes investing in top quality
staff along with a commitment to staying
independent and local are key to the firm’s
Growing – Erimus Insurance Brokers
director Ian Miller (far right) with new
recruits (from left): Terry Kelly, Lynn
Roberts, Kate Barwick and Graeme Mills.
ongoing success.
“We’re an ambitious business with
ambitious growth targets but our people
remain at the heart of what we do,” he said.
“Consolidation in the market place means
independent brokers are a dying breed.
A strong reputation and commitment to
remaining independent has attracted some
of the area’s top talent to Erimus.”
Terry, who joins Erimus with a wealth
of experience, said: “I had been with my
previous company for 15 years but since
they sold out to a corporate I felt it was
time to move on.
“My clients are my priority and they are
best served by the flexible offering of an
independent. It made sense moving to
Erimus.”
Established in 1986, Erimus specialise
in the arrangement of commercial and
corporate insurance, with clients benefiting
from the buying power of a global business
and the service offering of an independent,
owner-managed business.