BOSSES behind the development of a business centre have vowed to continue strengthening the base after pumping more than £500,000 into its initial transformation, The Northern Echo can reveal.

M20 Property Group says it will push on with its vision to make BizHub Tees Valley, in Billingham, near Stockton, a base for regional and national companies.

The plans come just a year after M20 took the offices, which are part of Belasis Hall Technology Park and had been in the hands of administrators, under its control.

Officials say they have already spent more than £500,000 to improve facilities, which include better office space and IT provision, adding it has helped retain tenants such as Red Driving School.

Ryan Barber, M20 sales and operations manager, said BizHub Tees Valley is now in a sound position to vie with rival sites to become a home for companies, with its occupancy rate rising from 45 per cent to 75 per cent.

He told The Northern Echo: “It was pretty much at rock bottom and we knew it would take more than a bit of paint here and there.

“Today, I think it’s fair to say, that we have one of the best business centres around.

“It has been transformed.”

Ian McIntosh, chief executive at Red Driving School, said M20’s willingness to involve his business in the BizHub renovation was a key factor in its decision to continue operating from the region.

He added: “The landlord completely gutted it and we are really happy with the results.

“This is a central location for us and it’s good to consolidate here.”

Mark Bates, director of vehicle hire firm Quorum Fleet Solutions, said his business was also pleased to be at BizHub following the changes.

He added: “When I knew it was going to be regenerated, we were delighted and decided to take bigger offices.”