An independent business lender has announced it is moving its HQ to Chester, and now plans to create 40 new jobs.
White Oak is to open a 15,000sq ft office in the city centre to accommodate its continued growth both in the region and across the 海角视频.
The firm, which moved its base from Ewloe in North Wales, said the 10-year lease reaffirms its commitment to the North West as its home.
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It added that the new office and increased staff numbers will allow White Oak to strengthen ties with the community with a focus on those who have struggled as a result of the pandemic.
James Felton, chief operating officer of White Oak Europe, said: “The new office move to HQ, Chester is a major statement of intent for White Oak’s continued growth and evolution.
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"The relocation to Chester reaffirms our commitment to the North West as our home where we can continue to support our customers in the region and across the 海角视频.
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"The move brings all our colleagues together helping to foster stronger working relationships and to deliver a highly interconnected and efficient service for our customers.
"The move also celebrates the recent successes of White Oak in doubling its lending to 海角视频 SMEs since the start of 2020 and looks to the future with space to accommodate a significant hiring initiative which will see up to 40 new staff join the business in the coming months.”
The new office space on the second floor of the landmark HQ building has been fully refurbished and has views across the City of Chester and racecourse.
White Oak said it will also enhance its local community partnerships including a student programme with the University of Chester, Chester Aid to the Homeless and a continuing partnership with Chester Racecourse.
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The firm has offices in London, Glasgow and Southampton, and the move will mean that the company is able to continue to support businesses around the country to grow whilst cementing its presence in the North West.
It announced earlier this year that it had committed £40m to businesses in the North West - as well as supporting businesses throughout the 海角视频 during the Covid-19 pandemic by providing almost £400m in Government-backed CBILS loans.
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Councillor Richard Beacham, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration said: “Cheshire West and Chester Council is investing in Chester to make it an even better place to live, work, learn and visit. This announcement that White Oak is relocating here is great news for our city and we hope that other businesses in the city will feel the benefit of having another large employer in the town centre.
"This move has been aided by our Business Growth Team, so other businesses looking for support with relocation or staffing for example can contact them for advice too.”