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North East business trebles in size at the BIC

A regional e-commerce business is gearing up for growth by expanding into an office three times the size at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

iChoose Limited have moved from 400 sq ft to 1,460 sq ft with plans to further grow the business in space and numbers. The company has seen turnover grow to £675,000 this year and within the next two years are forecast to reach the million mark.

The company, established in 2012, sells phone, tablet and I.T. accessories online. This is the company’s second expansion since moving to the BIC in early 2014. The company’s success has led to them employing six members of staff including two apprentices.

Managing director, Richard Cattle explains: “I started the business from home, whilst I was still employed but soon enough I had outgrown my office in the spare bedroom and it was time to move into professional premises.

“The BICs competitive prices and its managed office space is what won it for me. As a new company, I needed more than just an office and the support from the BIC has been invaluable.”

As of January iChoose began exporting to Germany and France and it is growing all the time, Richard added:
“Although it’s hard work running my own business, it is very rewarding. I am proud that I have set up this business and it’s gone from strength to strength. The future of the company is positive and I hope to continue to expand and employ more staff in the future, whilst remaining at the BIC.”

Donna Surtees, senior space adviser added: “iChoose are a perfect example of a start-up company which really hit the ground running. Richard’s hard work has paid off and it is fantastic that we are able to offer the business larger space when needed, right here at the BIC.”