An award-winning engineering consultancy company has announced its plans to establish a northern base following the opening of a new office at Innovation Central, Darlington. With existing regional offices in London and Exeter, Clarkebond, headquartered in Bristol, is renowned for delivering a wide range of engineering projects for industry, developers, and governments worldwide. Now, as a result of securing a contract to assist with the development of the SeAH Wind’s offshore wind monopile factory at Teesworks, the company has decided to establish a presence in the North East of England, creating additional growth opportunities in the region.
To spearhead the establishment of the new office and provide a fully multi-disciplined civil and structural engineering service, Darlington-born Anthony Hoare has been appointed as the regional director. Alongside a team of four engineers and technicians, Clarkebond plans to expand its workforce as it nurtures new client relationships. Anthony expressed his excitement at the potential of the area, stating, “Our involvement in the SeAH Wind factory project has served as the driving force behind Clarkebond’s expansion into the North. The company recognizes the immense potential of the area, evident through significant investment in projects such as government offices like the Treasury. We are eager to become a part of this thriving region.”
Despite Clarkebond’s 75-year legacy and strong track record in the sector, Anthony acknowledges the need to establish a presence in the North East market. He looks forward to extending the company’s reach by exploring opportunities in sectors such as residential, industrial, and healthcare.
Initially operating from the coworking lounge at Darlington’s Business Central, Anthony’s team eventually moved to a dedicated office at the new sister site, Innovation Central, in January. However, as the team secures new contracts and continues to recruit, they anticipate further expansion within the building, ultimately moving to a larger office space.
Anthony highlights the flexibility of tenancy as a major draw to Innovation Central, providing the company with the ability to adapt quickly as they explore new opportunities. He remarks on the excitement of being among the first tenants in the building, stating, “There are numerous innovative companies under one roof, and I believe that this environment will be beneficial for business.”
Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, applauds the addition of the new site, emphasizing the advantages it offers to businesses seeking to expand into the region. He cites Darlington’s exceptional facilities, skilled workforce, connectivity, and transport links as key attractions.