Clearanswer, one of the UK’s leading contact centre specialists, is expanding its operations by opening a third office in Middlesbrough.

This expansion will create 120 new customer service and sales jobs, providing exciting career opportunities for local residents.

The company has acquired 5,000 sq ft of office space in the prestigious 16/26 Albert Road building. This marks another significant step for Clearanswer, which currently employs over 1,000 people in its Hull and Leeds offices.

The new location is expected to open by the end of March. Jomast are currently refitting the space into a modern, fully refurbished contact centre designed to offer employees a high-quality working environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

The expansion represents a significant milestone in Clearanswer’s ambitious growth strategy. This rapidly growing company is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and sales support to some of the UK’s largest and most recognisable brands.

Middlesbrough has been chosen as the new location due to its strong local workforce and similarities to Hull, where the company’s largest site is situated. The town’s demographic profile makes it an ideal setting for a successful contact centre, and this investment is expected to greatly benefit the local economy by attracting more people to the area, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the job market.

Steve Dunk, Co-owner of Clearanswer, said, “Middlesbrough presents an exciting opportunity for us. We are not just opening an office; we are also committed to long-term growth in the region and look forward to becoming an integral part of the local business community.

“The area’s talented workforce and strong community values align perfectly with our company culture.”

Clearanswer is currently recruiting for customer service and sales roles at its Middlesbrough location. These positions provide excellent career development opportunities, full training, and the chance to work with a company known for its supportive and friendly workplace culture.

The roles offer competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. Applications are now open, and the first training cohort is scheduled to begin in early April 2025.

Jomast began transforming Albert Road into Albert North over six years ago, and with the support of Middlesbrough Council, the area has significantly benefited from the regeneration.

Many of the town’s iconic buildings along the road have been renovated, turning the area into a vibrant commercial district that houses numerous world-leading companies and local independents. Clearanswer is joining an ever-expanding business community that includes Big Bite, Behaviour, Wander Films, Salesfire, Techquity, Mabo and Alt Labs.

Mark Hill, the commercial property director at Jomast, said, “Since we started regenerating Albert Road, the response has been tremendous, and its transformation into Albert North has become a real success story.

“We are delighted to welcome another ambitious and growing business to Albert North. With only a few upper floors available, our focus is on attracting operators to the remaining ground-floor units.

“We recently welcomed the new café Undergo, which joins Alkaline Kitchen, King B, Salon Twenty-One, Derma Advanced Aesthetics, and Flok, and would like to add more service operators, such as independent retailers, cafés, bars, and restaurants,” Mark added.

Individuals interested in joining the Clearanswer team can apply directly via the company’s website.

Companies seeking to partner with an award-winning UK contact centre for their customer service and sales solutions can contact Clearanswer at info@clearanswer.co.uk to discuss how they can support their business growth and customer experience goals.

Anyone interested in leasing units in Albert North should contact Jomast on 01642 666 936 or visit www.albertnorth.co.uk for more details.

One of Middlesbrough’s most historic buildings can now be brought back to life after funding for its restoration was secured.

The Old Town Hall in the town’s original heart, St Hilda’s, has stood empty for almost 30 years.

Restoration of the Grade II listed building can now go ahead thanks to more than £4.5m of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, along with £1.8m of existing Government funding.

Members of Middlesbrough Council’s Executive accepted the grant and approved plans for the site at a meeting on January 8.

Proposals will see the building’s 1960s modifications demolished and a new, modern extension built alongside urgently needed structural work. The original clock tower will also be restored and brought back into working order.

A refurbished Old Town Hall, designed by adaptive re-use specialists Group Ginger architects, will offer more than 7,000 sq ft of office accommodation for Middlesbrough’s thriving digital sector.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “The Old Town Hall is a key part of Middlesbrough’s heritage and I am delighted that we’ve now been given the opportunity to safeguard it for future generations in our town.

“Bringing the building back into use will help continue the regeneration of such an important and historic part of Middlesbrough.

“I want to commend Council officers who have worked hard to engage with members of the public and secure the vital funding needed. We are grateful to the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making this possible.”

Cllr Theo Furness, Executive member for Development, said: “What we now call Middlehaven was where modern-day Middlesbrough started and the Old Town Hall was at the very centre of life as the town grew from humble beginnings into a booming heart of the industrial revolution.

“The building was famously captured in a painting by L.S. Lowry in 1959 and is recognisable and well-loved as a symbol of our town.

“I can’t wait to see the building restored to its former glory and now contribute to one of the town’s new boom industries.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is fantastic news that we’re supporting the restoration of one of Middlesbrough’s most historic buildings, the Old Town Hall. 

“Saving heritage is a priority for the Heritage Fund and thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project will safeguard the Old Town Hall’s future by bringing it back into use and engaging local communities with its important heritage.”

The Old Town Hall was first opened in 1846 as Middlesbrough grew rapidly thanks to the iron and later steel industries, centred around the River Tees.

Bringing it back into use will further support the regeneration of the area, which is home to the Boho digital cluster including the new Boho X building, new homes, Middlesbrough College and a planned new secondary school.

The town’s digital industry ranks as the sixth fastest growing tech base in the UK and the Old Town Hall refurbishment will supply a pipeline of the right type of accommodation to help the sector continue to grow.

Opportunities for members of the public to engage with the heritage of the building will be available, led by Seven Architecture, with more details to come as the project develops.

Employees at one of Teesside’s leading companies are brightening up Christmas for children who get very little this time of year.

Thanks to the efforts of a married couple who work for Paralloy in Billingham, colleagues donated an Aladdin’s Cave of presents to the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas charity to ensure some of the region’s poorest children receive a gift.

Machine Shop Administrator Tammy Waters and her husband Rob, who is a Lab Technician, heard about the appeal as they drove to work. 

“We know it’s been a very difficult time for lots of people and the idea of a child waking up with no Christmas present is so sad, so we thought we had to do something,” she said. 

“It’s been wonderful – the response we’ve had from everybody here has just been fantastic.”

The couple were also helped by the Beanie Games toy shop in Stockton which provided games free of charge as well as offering discounts.  

Between Paralloy’s sites in Billingham and Middlesbrough – as well its staff in Sheffield who collected gifts on behalf of the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal – the company’s employees have donated more than 500 presents for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. 

HR Manager Ian Grimes said: “We’re fortunate to have good jobs and can afford to buy presents for our children, but we know that there are a lot of people in this region who are not so well off.  That’s why all through the year, and particularly at Christmas, we are on our own mission to connect with our communities.”

This year, for example, the Paralloy Group has supported the Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club, allowing it to continue to provide sailing experiences for young people. It has bought kits and uniforms for Stockton Football Club’s youth team and Hartlepool Dance Crews. The company has sponsored Billingham’s Rugby team, an all-women elite cycling team – Team Boompods – The Apprentice of the Year Award at Hartlepool College as well as the engineering department at Middlesbrough’s Trinity Catholic College.

Paralloy has also hosted careers days with the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, provided work experience for T-Level placements for Middlesbrough College and increased its intake of apprenticeships to 17 across the group.

The apprentices are working with a team regarded as one of the industry leaders, specialising in the manufacture and fabrication of high-quality, precision-engineered components for industries including petro-chemical, aerospace, power generation and transport.

“Our aim is to make Paralloy more visible to the world, but at the same time we think it’s really important to support our local community,” said Ian

“We’re connecting with our potential future employees, young adults or people already working that wish to pursue a career in engineering.  But as well as growing our own talent we want to make a significant contribution to the growth of Teesside, particularly in the engineering sector.”

He added: “It’s been a fantastic 2024 for Paralloy but we’re only too aware that it has continued to be a tough year for many people in the region and that is why we will always do our best to help.”

Paralloy Group received a King’s Award for Enterprise for excellence in International Trade and has recruited around 160 employees in the past 12 months.

In the summer the Paralloy Group bought the French company Manoir and its UK business Hi-Tech Fabrication, doubling the number of staff throughout all the businesses to around 1,100.

Middlesbrough’s Dundas Indoor Market has announced details of an action packed run up to Christmas.

As well as special seasonal markets and a visit by Santa, it is has just unveiled a major extension, welcomed new traders and is even hosting a live concert.  

Market Manager David Harris said: “This will be my 10th Christmas here and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

It has all started with the opening of additional space created by the Market’s takeover of the old Fulton’s Food shop, which shut down in 2021.

The hugely popular soccer memorabilia business ASB Football Shirts has moved to a larger shop there from its current spot in the Market.  It has been joined by PM Toys and Collectables which opened three years ago and is also taking over one of the bigger new units.

The extension is accommodating four new retailers: Vintage 101, which sells retro and current fashions; memorial gifts and keepsakes will be provided by Heaven on Earth; Sharon’s Handmade Crafts will be showcasing bespoke handmade gifts, and – for something a bit different – the alternative and quirky gift shop Bloody Creations is also opening.

Freed up space in the older part of the Market is going to be occupied by two other traders: Gifts 4 U, selling homewares and furniture, and Baby Beautiful making its seasonal return to Dundas with its lifelike Reborn Dolls.

“By creating new units and helping our occupiers move to bigger ones there are still opportunities for other traders to start their businesses here or relocate from somewhere else,” said Mr Harris, who is keen to hear from a fruit and veg seller, a florist, a men’s barber and a mobile phone retailer.

The start of December sees the first of the Christmas Markets take place in the Dundas Shopping Centre mall for three days from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th. The second Christmas Market runs from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd.

On the first Saturday of the month – the 7th – the Indoor Market will again be taking part in Small Business Saturday UK, where people are encouraged to “shop local”. The next day – Sunday 8th – Santa will be around from 2-3pm to meet children and hand out presents. 

Throughout a festive December children will be able to take part in Christmas competitions and from late November until the end of the year the Centre again becomes part of Middlesbrough’s fantastic Walking with the Snowman trail.

In addition to all of the tradition, the second Promoting Local free live concert is being held on Saturday 21 December. 

The first one in October showcased six of the brightest musical talents on Teesside – from singer/songwriters to heavy rock bands – and was part of Dundas’ on-going campaign to introduce its customers to the work of some extremely gifted local artists.

“We’ll be announcing the line up in due course,” said Mr Harris, who added “Even though there’s so much going on over the next few weeks, some things stay the same: if you’re looking for value for money and a gift you can’t find anywhere else, Dundas is the place for you.”

Middlesbrough has cemented itself as the leading tech hub outside of London, according to the latest 2024 UK Tech Jobs Report.

Ranking sixth overall in the UK, with a strong score of 80.07, Middlesbrough is also recognised as the country’s fastest-growing tech destination, reinforcing its position as a key player in the country’s rapidly expanding technology landscape.

While currently home to 165 tech firms, a figure lower than other leading areas, Middlesbrough’s sector is growing at a rate of 13.79% – the highest growth rate in the country.

This surge demonstrates that Middlesbrough is increasingly being seen as a tech hub, attracting both startups and established companies looking to leverage its growing infrastructure and talent pool.

Despite tech jobs representing a smaller portion of the local workforce (2.7%), recent data shows that tech salaries are on the rise in Middlesbrough, with an 8.46% pay increase reported.

In addition to its booming tech sector, the report by Eskimoz said that Middlesbrough offers an excellent work-life balance, with residents enjoying a short average daily commute distance of just 56,434 km per year. This makes the town particularly attractive for tech professionals seeking career growth and quality of life.

By ranking first outside of London – behind only City of London, Westminster, Camden, Hackney and Islington – Middlesbrough continues to draw attention as a top destination for tech firms and professionals alike.

With a combination of rapid growth, rising wages and excellent living conditions, the report adds that the town “is poised to become one of the UK’s most sought-after locations for tech innovation”.

Middlesbrough’s local tech successes include global games developers Double Eleven, who occupy the entirety of the impressive Boho X building (pictured) in Middlesbrough, fellow games gurus Radical Forge, who have twice been named as one of the region’s fastest growing businesses in the annual VelociTees awards, and 2024 Tees Tech Company of the Year Behaviour UK, based in the town but part of the Canadian games giant.

The town is also base to SaaS (sales as a service) specialists Salesfire – whose CEO Rich Himsworth was Business Leader of the Year at both the Tees Tech Awards and Tees Business Awards in 2023 – and ITS, one of Europe’s most respected automation and management information system providers, founded by former Tees Tech Business Leader Malcolm Knott.

The wider Teesside area includes eCommerce software solutions specialists Visualsoft, software solutions firm Fitfactory, whose CEO Jason Pritchard is the reigning Tees Tech Business Leader, 2024 Tees Tech Small Business of the Year Tricore Technical Services, a powerhouse in digital solutions and specialist offshore installations, and energy data specialist EnAppSys, another past winner of the Tees Tech Company of the Year accolade.

Cygnet Law, a prominent family and property law firm with offices in Redcar and Middlesbrough, are proud to announce an impressive double award success, reinforcing its reputation as a leading legal employer in the North East. September marked a milestone achievement for Cygnet Law, as the firm was honoured with the Training and Apprenticeship Award at the Tees Businesswomen Awards. This accolade recognises Cygnet Law’s dedicated efforts in developing female talent through structured apprenticeship programmes and ongoing staff development initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to career-building pathways for young women in law.

With over 90% of its workforce being women, Cygnet Law continues to empower its team through a tailored development pathway that supports employees from entry-level apprenticeships to fully qualified solicitor roles. The firm’s structured programme not only enhances the skills of team members but also builds a solid foundation for future leaders in the legal profession.

Adding to this achievement, Cygnet Law was also awarded the prestigious Legal Employer of the Year award at the North East Business Hero Awards, presented during the FB Fashion Ball in Newcastle on 24th October. This accolade acknowledges Cygnet Law’s remarkable dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace environment.

“These awards reflect Cygnet Law’s dedication to empowering our team members and fostering an environment where they can grow and succeed,” said Stacey Phoenix, Director and Head of Public Law at Cygnet Law. “We are deeply committed to supporting apprentices and professionals alike, equipping them with skills to deliver exceptional service to our clients and contribute meaningfully to the North East legal community.”

Furthering its commitment to the community, Cygnet Law offers a valuable service through weekly drop-in sessions at their Middlesbrough office and Loftus Town Hall, where members of the public can receive free legal advice on matters such as domestic violence, housing issues, and family law. These sessions provide accessible support to individuals who may be experiencing hardship or legal challenges and reflect Cygnet Law’s mission to make legal guidance available to all, regardless of their circumstances.

The firm also partners with various local charities, including Dementia Action Teesside and domestic violence support organisations, and actively participates in community initiatives through will-writing schemes in support of the Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research. With its ongoing engagement in pro bono work and free 30-minute consultations, Cygnet Law remains dedicated to making a meaningful difference within its community.

For more information on Cygnet Law’s services including information on their drop in sessions. Visit www.cygnetlaw.co.uk or follow Cygnet Law on Facebook.

A man circles the sculpture two or three times and then wanders away momentarily before quickly turning back, phone in hand.

The striking works of art at Middlesbrough Railway Station are already turning heads as the man frames artist Beth Johnson’s piece, Journey, and snaps a few photos from different angles.

Around 3,000 rail tickets, individually stitched together, cascade from a structure in the bustling concourse, mirroring the arches and curved windows of the 147-year-old station.

“We had people stop when I was installing and seeing people interact with the art is a really interesting experience, and they’ve had really nice things to say,” said Beth, surveying her work from a bench nearby as commuters regularly wander by to examine it.

“Everyone thinks differently about art and takes their own reaction away from it and that’s the exciting thing about it, really.”

The curiosity of station visitors doesn’t end with Journey – it’s only one of four large-scale pieces of art already on display as part of the Most Creative Station programme, which will see eight installations in total.

Artist-led organisation Navigator North formally launched the programme, celebrating and interacting with aspects of the town’s history and rail heritage, to kick off Middlesbrough Art Week last week.

For Journey, Beth spent four days earlier this year based in the station, asking people to donate their used tickets – but more importantly, people also donated their stories, with tales of travels from all over the world.

“I spoke to an MMA fighter who was going to train in the States, so it was the beginning of a journey too,” continued Beth.

“You got a real sense that the station was this gateway to everywhere and the idea for the piece developed from there. The people I spoke to definitely contributed to my idea – it’s about those stories, experiences and journeys.”

Beth, 42, who grew up in Scotland and now lives in Billingham, uses traditional embroidery techniques in her work.

The tickets were stitched together in phases over a four-month period and intricate techniques and patterns can be seen on each when viewed up close, as can the starting points and destinations of thousands of journeys – from Saltburn, Darlington, Thornaby to Edinburgh, Manchester and London and everywhere in between.

But when viewed from a distance, Journey takes on an entirely different look – some tickets are hole-punched, allowing small pin-pricks of multi-coloured light to escape through as it interacts with another piece of artwork.

Rachael Clewlow’s Tees Colour Register – a vibrant, colourful vinyl display which has temporarily transformed the concourse’s upper windows – was the first installation in the Most Creative Train Station programme.

Across the concourse sits Adam Shaw’s Kiosk – a temporary structure built by hand and inspired by a 1950s archive photograph of the station after it was rebuilt following its bombing in the Second World War.

Featured in the photo was the ‘E.D. Walker & Wilson’ newspaper kiosk, which has been recreated by Adam as a living artwork and printmaking space, which hosts workshops and produces archival material and heritage stories about Middlesbrough and the station.

The latest artwork installed is Emma Bennett’s Middlesbrough Moquette, which has transformed the Platform 2 waiting room.

After studying designs from the 1920s to present day, Emma developed bespoke patterns which reference the station’s architectural features including the original elliptical roof that was damaged in 1942 by a German air raid.

The designs now feature on practical, everyday spaces in the station such as seating and windows.

The Most Creative Station programme at Middlesbrough Railway Station is run by Navigator North in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and station operators TransPennine Express.

It forms part of a larger project to make Middlesbrough the Most Creative Town in the UK, after the Middlesbrough Cultural Partnership and Middlesbrough Council successfully bid for £4.25m from the Cultural Development Fund in 2022, administered by Arts Council England.

A Teesside company which was awarded the UK’s top business honour plans to win an equal reputation for its record on staff development and recruitment. 

Stainless steel specialist Paralloy received the King’s Award for Enterprise for excellence in International Trade earlier this year. 

In June the Paralloy Group bought the French industrial giant Manoir and pledged to retain all of its 440 employees as well as the 60 staff working for its UK subsidiary, the Derbyshire-based Hi-Tech Fabrication. 

Paralloy now has a team of 15 apprentices – including three female welders – working at its sites in Billingham and Middlesbrough and the company has joined the Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme, run by manufacturing specialists Next Gen Makers.

It is working closely with Teesside colleges and schools and in July invited 50 teenagers to experience their first insight into the world of work.  Paralloy is also planning to open its own training centre.

The company has more than doubled its number of staff since a management buyout in 2020 and following the acquisition of Manor Industries more than a thousand people are now employed by the Paralloy Group.

It has five foundries – including one at Billingham, its biggest site on Teesside – seven machine shops, multiple fabrication and welding sites and is currently supplying bespoke products for the three biggest petrochemical projects in the world.  

“The business has grown at an incredible pace over the last few years and we have needed to develop various routes to ensure we have a sufficient number of skilled and motivated employees who will be joining Paralloy in the coming years,” said HR Manager Ian Grimes.

“There is increasing competition amongst companies on Teesside to recruit at all levels,” said Mr Grimes.  “Whilst this is great news for the area it also a challenge that businesses have to get to grips with.  Good salaries and working conditions are obviously key factors but we also believe that providing development opportunities for our existing staff should not be overlooked.”

Chief Financial Officer Michael Dolan, for example, has risen through the ranks after joining Paralloy as an apprentice in the accounts department in 1998.

Another member of the team who has benefited is 41-year-old Sean Johansenberg who has just graduated from Teesside University with a degree in Project Management.

Paralloy helped Shaun combine part-time working with studying and he has now completed his transfer from shop floor to office to become a Contracts Engineer.

“My degree is vital in helping me move forward within the business,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to improve myself and every day’s a learning day.”

The father-of-three went straight into work from school at 16. Back then, he said, university education was not an option for people with his background. 

But four years ago when she was in her early 30s his wife decided to study for her degree and that made Shaun think about his future.  “We’re both from Middlesbrough and for us to graduate is an inspiration for your kids and shows them what can be done,” he said. “The opportunity’s there for everyone.  It’s just whether you make the most of it.”

Shaun is excited about the role he can play in Paralloy’s future, adding: “The business is driving forward every day.  There are new challenges and the landscape is changing in the sectors we work in.  At Paralloy we want to be leading that change – and we seem to be doing that quite well.” 

If your business has been impacted by the recent disturbance in Middlesbrough or Hartlepool, you may be entitled to riot compensation through the Riot Compensation Act 2016.

The Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA) gives victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation. It is designed to allow communities to recover quickly from the impact of rioting.

In order to qualify for compensation victims must demonstrate that the damage or loss they have suffered was as a result of a riot.

If your property is not adequately insured you can claim compensation under the RCA from the local police ‘claims authority’. For Cleveland, this is the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

If you are an owner of a building affected by a riot, you can claim for damage to the building’s structure.

If you are a tenant/occupier of an address affected by a riot, you can claim for your damaged/stolen contents.

You can also claim for damaged or stolen:

  • Business items stored in a vehicle
  • Stock-in-trade vehicles
  • Underinsured vehicles

The RCA does not cover:

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim, it must be in relation to one of the areas affected by recent disorder:

  • Hartlepool on 31 July 2024
  • Middlesbrough on 4 August 2024

Please note further criteria will be used to assess each claim to ensure that the damage took place by the known riot activity, as well as meeting the definition of riot damage.

You have until 23:55 on Friday 11 October to submit your claim.

Please ensure you take the following steps if your property has been damaged:

  • Report the crime to the police for a crime reference number
  • If your property is insured, make a claim with your insurance company – they will advise if you are not fully covered.
  • Complete the form below and send to pcc.office@cleveland.police.uk

Riot Compensation Form (application, 73kB)

You can also download and print the Compensation Form. Completed forms can be sent via post to:

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland
St Marks House
St Marks Court
Thornaby
Stockton-On-Tees
TS17 6QW

If you would like assistance to complete this form, please call 01642 301861. For further information, visit the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner website.

Serving the local community since May 2024 with the successful launch of its Middlesbrough office, the firm have unveiled a commissioned piece of artwork by Emily Davidson, a talented mixed media artist from the Northern School of Art.

Since opening its doors, Cygnet Law’s Middlesbrough office has been offering a comprehensive range of legal services in family and property law, with special promotions designed to make these essential services more accessible. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous clients benefitting from Cygnet Law’s expertise and dedication to providing top service to their clients.

The commissioned artwork by Emily Davidson has become a focal point of the office, capturing the attention and admiration of clients and visitors alike. Davidson, a non-binary artist, is known for their innovative approach to mixed media art, focusing on the interplay between chaos and control. Their work encourages viewers to engage with the textures and forms presented, reflecting Davidson’s unique artistic perspective and identity.

Davidson’s piece for Cygnet Law’s office exemplifies their signature style, drawing inspiration from mid-20th century abstract artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Cy Twombly. The artwork is vibrant, expressive, and exploratory, inviting observers to interpret its meaning and interact with its dynamic textures.

“We are thrilled with the success of our Middlesbrough office and the warm welcome we have received from the community,” said Stacey Phoenix, Director at Cygnet Law. “Emily Davidson’s remarkable artwork has added a unique touch to our office, embodying our commitment to supporting local talent and contributing to the cultural and artistic landscape of Middlesbrough.”

The official opening event, held in May, was attended by local businesses and organisations and members of Middlesbrough Council. The event marked the beginning of Cygnet Law’s commitment to providing exceptional legal services to the Middlesbrough community.

For more information about Cygnet Law’s services visit their website.