Safety training providers Penshaw View join Ocado in Sunderland’s prominent BEAM site

Sunderland-based training provider Penshaw View has joined grocery giant Ocado in THE BEAM business hub.

Penshaw View is a training provider and health and safety business, which counts Amazon, Warburtons, Pavers and Parkdean Resorts among its clients.

Founded in Sunderland in 2011, the business has taken a large ground-floor space in the 59,427 sq ft council-owned building on the former Vaux Brewery site.

The business is currently working from two separate offices in Sunderland and has been looking at alternative office spaces both in Sunderland and further afield, but said it was THE BEAM’s riverside location and the prestige of the space that sealed the deal.

The family-run business has relocated all of its team to its new HQ, in a move intended to create capacity for expansion. The company currently employs 30 people and expects to add to its number over the coming 12 months, with 20 per cent growth in its headcount forecast.

It has retained a separate space in the city centre where it delivers its training programmes, which include apprenticeships in health and safety, management, learning and development, HR and customer service, as well as short course delivery.

Philippa Breckon, director at Penshaw View, said the company was delighted to be in a position to stay in Sunderland, creating more jobs for people from in and around the city.

“As a business that was born here, we were keen to remain in Sunderland, as we push forward with our growth plans. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to do so by taking space in THE BEAM. The centre is one of the most prestigious business spaces in the North East and we’re proud that we will be working alongside them from what is a fantastic environment for our team.”

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said the announcement was another vote of confidence in the city from a firm that has proven that this is a place in which businesses can thrive.

“Penshaw View is a fantastic business that has enjoyed immense success – particularly over the last few years - so it is an absolute thrill to see them take up space in THE BEAM alongside a hugely successful global enterprise.”

The development of THE BEAM was supported by the North East LEP, which recognised the Vaux site as a major regeneration site. It received £10.8m from the government’s Local Growth Deal through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in addition to loan funding of £2.5m from the North East Investment Fund (NEIF).

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