A new tech hub aiming to create a new community of startups outside of Newcastle city centre has been launched in Killingworth.
Recruitment firm Ronald James has opened the new tech centre at its head office at Northumbria House, after realising that the area lacked a community for small tech businesses.
The new 3,500sq ft hub will give local startups access to office space, desks and meeting rooms as well as the chance to work with like-minded businesses.
Commenting on the launch, Ronald James’ CEO James Blackwell said: “There will be 11 units in total. We have sold two of them. The great thing is there is a lot of tech companies who want to move a team up here and we can facilitate that.
“The big ambition for that is to have all the units rented out and have people bouncing ideas off each other. We want to be the one stop shop. We want to help tech startups and give them a platform outside the city centre.”
As well as placing staff within tech companies, Ronald James also runs a Developers Advancement Club, which aims to help tech workers improve their skills. DAC holds regular events and talks from guest speakers to provide opportunities for staff to develop and make new connections.
Mr Blackwell founded Ronald James in 2015 with a small amount of his own personal finance. The firm now employs 15 people and places staff in some of the region’s biggest tech firms.
The company recently purchased Northumbria House to give it permanent base that would allow it to continue to expand and hire new staff.
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Explaining the firm’s growth plan, Mr Blackwell said: “We are looking to increase headcount by 20 staff in that office. We are on a drive to hire 20 recruitment consultants and delivery consultants in the North East. We have won quite a few tenders with big tech firms.
“I started the business with a £5,000 credit card. I brought in my younger brother, who had no qualifications. We went out to meet clients and hustle our way in. We grew that and in our first year made £500,000. We are now forecast to make £1.5m in revenue.
“Over the last four years we have placed more than 500 employees. We have found people and put them in to Orange Bus, Atom Banks and Tombola. We relocate people from London, Brighton and the North West as well.”