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Variete expands in space and staff

North East based online shopping company has not only expanded in employees but also in unit size.

Variete Ltd began life in an incubator unit at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) and has expanded into space five times the size to accommodate a new apprentice to its team as well as creating more storage.

Variete started with one online shop, Simply Benches, and now has 22 niche stores selling over 30,000 individual products, from indoor and outdoor furniture to home ware.

Apprentice Tahmina Begum, 17 is the latest recruit to join the company as an apprentice in Customer Service. Tahmina said:

“I completed an NVQ in Business Administration and after qualifying I was taken on by Variete, I am currently progressing through my NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service. I really enjoy talking to the customers and helping them and am so pleased I can gain as much work experience here as possible to get my on the path to full time employment.”

Managing Director, John Orr began the company in 2009 during the recession but this has not prevented the business from becoming a success. He said:“It’s a pleasure to have Tahmina on the team. I am very proud of the fact that I have started the business in challenging times and now can see the company moving forward into a larger unit as well as growing the team.

“I came to the BIC with this business as I had worked with them in the past. The BIC is always on hand to offer advice and guidance and the support that I have had in the past remains the same – invaluable.”

The BICoffers a range of commercial property options with flexible tenancy agreements. The site ranges from 6000 sq ft industrial units to 150 sq ft small office, perfect for start-up, expanding and well-established businesses.

To arrange a site visit and view the variety of business space available, please call Donna Surtees on 0191 516 6066 or email space@ne-bic.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .