Gateshead energy firm set to double workforce after office relocation

A North East business energy solutions provider will double its workforce after moving from Team Valley to larger premises at the Honeycomb offices in Gateshead.

HQBS, which offers businesses low carbon energy services, has signed a 10-year lease on the 4,690 sq ft, first floor premises which forms part of The Watermark development. It plans to expand significantly, including increasing its team to 20 by the autumn, following exponential growth in recent years.

Its energy solutions include combined heat and power units, which run on gas to meet heat and hot water needs, and cogenerate free electricity.

The deal was brokered by the office agency team at Naylors Gavin Black and joint agent Knight Frank, for landlord The Palladium Group. The office provides facilities including an on-site gym and juice bar, an observatory, games room, and collaborative workspaces.

Fred Hall, CEO and founder of HQBS said: “At HQBS we put people first and we believe in providing an environment where our employees like to come to work, positively impacting our team’s culture, productivity and efficiency, as well as their general wellbeing at work.

“After a period where we have all been working from home, and with so many new people joining us, we think this move is especially important. We’re all very excited to move to Honeycomb.”

The Palladium Group acquired the 30,000 sq ft building in 2017 and has since undertaken a £400k refurbishment, including new LED lighting, shower facilities and air conditioning. The Jersey-based investment company also owns properties in Chester, Jersey and Liverpool within the Honeycomb brand.

Spencer Bourne, chairman of The Palladium Group, added: “Honeycomb boasts stunning panoramic views along the River Tyne as well as excellent on-site facilities, making it an ideal location for a forward-looking organisation such as HQBS.”

Chris Pearson, partner at Naylors Gavin Black, added: “We’re very happy to have helped accommodate HQBS at Honeycomb.

“The firm has relocated from the Team Valley because it wanted a new space that adequately reflects the scale of its ambition, and provides further room to grow.”

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