Business support firm on move with city HQ switch

A business support organisation is set to strengthen its North East roots with a head office move.

RTC North is switching to The Beam, in Sunderland.

Bosses say the move will put the Wearside-founded operator “at the heart of a transforming city”.

They add about 20 of the firm’s 120-strong North of England team will operate from its new 2222sq ft base, which will supersede the Loftus House office building on Sunderland’s outskirts.

The move – set to complete next month – follows similar relocations in Leeds and Liverpool.

Standing on the former Vaux Brewery site in the city’s wider Riverside Sunderland scheme, The Beam already lists retailer Ocado, North East Screen, Richard Reed Solicitors and Asset55 as tenants.

Jamie Ollivere, chief executive at RTC North, which was formed in 1987, said: “Sunderland has always been our home, so it was important to find new headquarters in the city where we started. 

“We want to provide attractive opportunities for young people joining our team, and part of that is ensuring we support them to enjoy a great quality of life. 

“As Sunderland transforms, with more and better housing and leisure facilities and places to enjoy on the doorstep, it feels like we’re moving into the city at just the right time.”

The organisation, which has supported more than 3400 enterprises in the last year, was supported on its move by Sunderland City Council’s business investment team.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, Sunderland City Council portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business, added: “The Beam effectively fired the starting gun on a programme of quite staggering regeneration at Riverside Sunderland.  

“We’re thrilled RTC North is joining a vibrant community of enterprises.”

RTC North’s sister bases include sites in Leeds’ West Village; The Spine, in Liverpool; The Catalyst, in Newcastle; and The Innovation Centre, in Daresbury, near Warrington.

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