Member Article

Washington Business Centre lets biggest hybrid unit

The newly completed Washington Business Centre has let its biggest hybrid unit to an a growing business with clients across the UK and Europe, after opening its doors to tenants this summer.

Business Performance Partners (BPP) Visual Ltd develops and produces innovative visual management tools designed to aid and support businesses on the road to performance excellence and continuous improvement.

BPP, which was set up last year by former Ernst & Young analyst and ex-TRW financial controller Rich Greensmith, has taken space at the business centre which boasts a range of office, workshop and hybrid facilities, where it can design the individual visual management systems and build demonstration areas to show to clients.

The business has just appointed Graham Simmons as design director, bringing together his technical and visual imaging experience with Rich’s financial expertise.

In its first year, BPP has secured a strong client list including Network Rail, Lufthansa, Bombardier, DeLaRue and Honeywell.

More than half of its customers are based in the food manufacturing sector and include household names such as Bernard Matthews and Nairn’s Oatcakes.

In all, BPP is working with more than 20 companies across the UK and Europe by providing processes to help them in a diverse range of areas, from identifying cost savings to project management, safety, warehouse and quality control.

The business centre, purpose built for Sunderland City Council, is located at the entrance to Turbine Business Park with easy access to the A19 and A1231.

The 5,200sqm two-storey building has 24 offices, seven hybrid units and 13 workshops, as well as meeting rooms and free on-site parking. Once filled, it is expected to create or protect around 200 jobs.

Sunderland City Council’s business development team worked with BPP, advising the new company on marketing and future growth strategies.

Rich Greensmith said: “One of the most important aspects that successful businesses share is an understanding of how they are performing against their objectives.

“Our Visual Performance Management designs help companies drive continuous improvement, assess performance and make the interventions required to meet business targets.

“We also create purpose designed workspace installations to boost visual management execution within bespoke Operation Centres and Control Rooms.” “Washington Business Centre is the ideal base for us, because of the high quality accommodation and competitive rent.

“We’re also hoping our move to the centre will help to raise our profile among companies in the region, letting them know we are here and what we do.

“Plus, the centre has excellent transport links for clients visiting from across the UK and Europe.”

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson, said: “We’re very proud to welcome such an innovative young company into Washington Business Centre and we’re pleased BPP has chosen the centre’s largest hybrid unit.

“The business space gives BPP the chance to showcase what it does to new and existing clients, and provides room for further expansion as it grows.

“This is the kind of new company we are keen to encourage into the centre and, like we did for BPP, the City Council can offer advice and support to companies considering locating here in Sunderland. We wish BPP every success at its new address.”

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