NFU Mutual opens Spennymoor base

A County Durham business park has welcomed a new tenant following investment to bring a long-vacant building back into use.

Insurer and financial services provider NFU Mutual has opened a new base for its Durham Districts Agency at Thinford Park in Spennymoor, occupying part of a previously unfinished unit. 

The building, originally intended as a hotel, had stood empty since 2021 before being completed with support from Durham County Council and site owner Initial Group.

The council contributed £50,000 from its Towns and Villages Vulnerable Buildings Fund to support the refurbishment, helping unlock 250sq metres of commercial space and enabling the relocation of 30 full-time jobs.

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism and high street, said: “Thinford Park sits within our Spennymoor Pride in Place boundary area, where one of our local priorities, identified by the community, is to support businesses.

“Since this unit has stood unused, the building has deteriorated and there was a risk of this continuing if a tenant was not secured. 

“We’ve worked closely with the owner, who has been successful in attracting other large businesses to the site, to make this site viable.

“We’re pleased that the contribution from our Towns and Villages fund has enabled the owner to refurbish the unit.

“Bringing the units back into use has not only improved the visibility of Thinford Park and the local area but supported regeneration in the form of bringing over 30 full-time jobs.”

Thinford Park has continued to attract a range of occupiers in recent years, including Costa, Burger King, One Gym, Toolstation, Screwfix and Howdens, creating more than 100 jobs

The latest move further strengthens the site’s position as a growing commercial hub within County Durham.

Wayne Baister, owner of Initial Group, added: “Thinford Park is a destination location and is attracting excellent regional and national operators to this busy vibrant site. 

“We are delighted to welcome NFU Mutual as an anchor tenant to Ikon House. 

“The support from Durham County Council enabled us to complete the development of the single storey offices, which created a significant number of jobs as a result.”

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