International Trade will be BIGGEST department in Darlington's Government campus

Yesterday, the Department for International Trade, the Government department responsible for the UK's global business, including post-Brexit trading agreements, announced they would be relocating as many as 500 workers to Darlington, just weeks after Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed in this month's Budget 750 Treasury officials would also be moving to the town.

• Hundreds more Government jobs coming to Darlington as SECOND department announces relocation

The Darlington site will be the department's second major base - and first outside London. It has been established as part of a new strategy to boost exports and bring the benefits of the government’s global trade policy to the whole of the UK, including benefits from future free trade agreements with the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking exclusively to the Echo, Exports Minister Graham Stuart said International Trade would be the "largest of the Government departments at the site", meaning the total number of workers at the campus could exceed 2,000.

He also said the Government was "very much looking to be recruiting locally" and "developing talent" in the region.

• First 300 Treasury workers to move to Darlington within a year

Welcoming the news, James Ramsbotham, chief executive at the North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “It is tremendous news that the Department for International Trade is moving a substantial number of jobs to our region. The North East has the best export record of any part of the UK so it is particularly fitting that these roles are coming here.

“We will also be able to really show our potential and prowess with the increased profile the jobs will bring, which will be extremely beneficial to our regional businesses.”

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “Today’s announcement means more civil servants working out of Whitehall for central government, helping to boost local economy and unlock growth.

"This should act as a spur to more UK businesses looking to relocate or invest in the North, which is vital to raising productivity and rebalancing the economy - whether they go to Darlington, Country Durham, Wearside or Tyneside. Newcastle City Centre already acts an asset in attracting jobs to the region and wider Northern Powerhouse.

“Building Northern Powerhouse Rail would expand the travel to work area across the Tees Valley and wider North East, allowing more people to commute to better jobs and allowing businesses to recruit the best talent.

“However, relocating central government staff is not a replacement for real devolution. County Durham - which has long missed out on funding and powers for its local leaders - needs a devolution deal stretching up to Northumberland, reflecting economic shared interests, if it is to harness its true potential.”

• This is when you'll be able to apply for a Treasury job in Darlington

Last week, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed hundreds of staff from other Government departments, including Business, Local Government and International Trade would be moving to Darlington.

Up to 300 Treasury officials will arrive in Darlington within 12 months. They will work at a temporary base at Feethams House before a new permanent site is constructed at Central Park.

Recruitment for a number job vacancies for local people is set to begin within weeks, and a number of major financial, law and accountancy businesses have already begun plans to relocate.

Sarah Glendening, CBI Regional Director of North East, said: “This new hub in Darlington can help provide much needed expertise and advice for business of all sizes looking to export and grow overseas. To be truly successful they will need to go beyond pure promotion, bringing together all parts of the trade ecosystem. From existing North East exporters and our world class services, right through to enablers such as accessible finance, working closely with the North of England export office.”