Jobs boost welcomed as Amazon looks set to create new base on the edge of Sunderland and South Tyneside

Word that Amazon could be a new major employer has been welcomed by North East business bosses.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 13th Feb 2020, 13:02 GMT
Updated 14th Feb 2020, 14:09 GMT
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The online retail giant is said to be the new owner of Follingsby Max, the new section of the business park on the edge of South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead.

Companies House papers show a firm called NCL1 Ltd, which was previously registered as Follingsby International Enterprise Park Limited up until last week, is headed up by Mark Atkin, who is listed as Amazon's finance director, and James Paterson, its senior manager of EU Launch and Expansion.

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Documents also show Mitre Secretaries Limited is now its secretary – it also holds the same position with Amazon Digital UK.

Land between Follingsby Lane and the A195 could become home to a new Amazon distribution centre, according to Sunderland City Council chiefs.Land between Follingsby Lane and the A195 could become home to a new Amazon distribution centre, according to Sunderland City Council chiefs.
Land between Follingsby Lane and the A195 could become home to a new Amazon distribution centre, according to Sunderland City Council chiefs.

Sunderland City Council’s executive director of city development Peter McIntyre confirmed to its Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee this week that the park is set to become a distribution centre.

He told members it would not be a competitor for the £400 million International Advanced Motoring Park (IAMP), which is being created near to Nissan.

If the project progresses, Follingsby would be the third centre of its kind in the North East, joining one near Darlington and another to be created near Bowburn in Durham.

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The latest project – yet to be confirmed by the retailer – is expected to create around 1,000 jobs.

Sunderland City Council's leader Councillor Graeme Miller has said new jobs for the region will be welcomed.Sunderland City Council's leader Councillor Graeme Miller has said new jobs for the region will be welcomed.
Sunderland City Council's leader Councillor Graeme Miller has said new jobs for the region will be welcomed.

Rachel Anderson, assistant director of policy at the North East England Chamber of Commerce said the site’s development would be “great news for, not just the immediate area, but the whole North East.”

She added: It is a real vote of confidence in our region’s strong logistics capabilities and committed workforce.

“This new site can build on the Darlington and Bowburn developments where Amazon are understood to be providing permanent contracts and paying staff above the minimum wage.

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“There are also set to be specialist and management roles at the Darlington operation when it opens which is very positive news for the region.”

The Follingsby Max site at Follingsby Lane could become home to a new Amazon distribution centre.The Follingsby Max site at Follingsby Lane could become home to a new Amazon distribution centre.
The Follingsby Max site at Follingsby Lane could become home to a new Amazon distribution centre.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller added: “New jobs and development opportunities for the North East are always welcome.

“We look forward to hearing more details about what is being planned at Follingsby.”

Related topics:AmazonNorth EastSunderlandSunderland City CouncilJobs