Firm plans to double workforce after making Sunderland move

Choice Future Planning received support and advice from Sunderland City Council with its move from Shildon to West Quay Business Village in Sunderland, and received a £400,000 grant from the Let’s Grow Regional Growth Fund to support the creation of 104 new jobs.

The firm added 20 new staff last month, bringing its headcount to 53, and aims to take on a further 20 people in April and again in September. Between January and April next year, it plans to create 40 more jobs.

Director Adrian Holland said: “We are expanding and need more good customer relationship managers. These are premium, well-paid careers that offer a good salary and structured progression.

“We really needed somewhere larger and more central. Sunderland has a great workforce and a good transport infrastructure.

“We received great support from the city council.

“The business investment team were excellent. They worked really hard with us to find the right premises and assisted in negotiating the move.”

The council also pointed the firm to the Regional Growth Fund’s Let’s Grow Fund.

Deputy leader Coun Harry Trueman said: “We’re delighted Choice Future Planning is bringing new jobs to the city and are pleased to have played a part in the company’s expansion, by helping it to find the base for its future growth.

“We wish the business all the best in its new headquarters and look forward to continuing to support it.”