About Us

A golden mile of opportunity, Central Park is buzzing with commercial, educational and residential activity. And it just keeps getting better.

It’s a testament to the power of partnerships. Darlington Borough Council’s vision to create a business community hub here has been embraced by the North East BIC. Together we’ve designed quality facilities and wrap-around support at both Business Central and Innovation Central, all joined by the same ethos.

This investment is aimed at unlocking opportunities for local businesses and those relocating here – creating good quality, well-paid jobs in the industries of tomorrow.

Dozens of businesses have already flourished at the popular Business Central. The launch of Innovation Central promises many more brilliant businesses, projects and collaborations, with new lab space strengthening Central Park’s reputation as a growing life sciences sector hub.

Igniting Innovation

Darlington has long been a centre of ingenuity. As the birthplace of the passenger railways and now a cutting-edge, multi-million-pound biologics manufacturing centre, the town that kickstarted modernity continues to shape the world today. Now this entrepreneurial spirit has a new focus at Central Park and the environment it needs to thrive. Need an injection of innovation?
Office Space Darlington
My Property Box

Small businesses - the lifeblood of the economy

Business Central and Innovation Central are run differently to commercial business centres. Operated by the North East BIC, they have social purpose – not profits – at their core, and a mission to inspire and support the region’s entrepreneurs. Established in 1994, the BIC has a powerful network of support and funding experts to help our businesses to prosper.

“Business Central provides a professional environment for staff and clients and that makes a big difference when you’re starting out. It helps to get you into the right mindset, makes things feel possible and keeps you motivated and proud. I took the biggest office and quickly took a second to accommodate our growing team.”

Ben Quaintrell
My Property Box

Meet the team

Vanessa Wood - Centre Manager

Vanessa Wood
Centre Manager

I joined as Centre Manager when Business Central was just a building site and have seen it flourish to the fantastic office space it is today. Now I’ve poured everything I learned about what makes a successful business environment into the design of the new Innovation Central. Our team is very much focused on creating a community, not just a place to work from but to feel an alliance to.

Ian Frostwick - Operations Support

Ian Frostwick
Operations Support

Having previously worked as an operations director, I have a wealth of experience of dealing with business space and facilities. I love to welcome and work with businesses joining our community, and to make sure they feel at home. It’s great getting to know the people that locate here and I take pride in ensuring everything is working efficiently for them so they can focus on their business.

Margaret Binns - Services Executive

Margaret Binns
Executive Assistant

I have worked as Services Executive since March 2015 when Business Central opened. You will find me on reception meeting and greeting visitors and staff. I ensure the smooth running of the centre. My work also involves a lot of administration relating to the tenants and their offices. The best part of my job is meeting and chatting to people who visit and getting to know the tenants.

Dan Sanderson - Operations Support

Daniel Sanderson
Operations Support

We want everyone to feel like they’re part of a community as soon as they enter one of our buildings and to be happy while they work and run their business. I share the excitement they have when they move in – it’s a proud moment for a business owner when they get their own space and I want to help them to feel comfortable in their new-found business community.

Ben Ridley - Operations Support

Ben Ridley
Operations Support

Helping businesses have a simple transition into their office space or our coworking facility and being here to help as much as I can, makes for a very rewarding job. Learning new skills, meeting new people and watching their businesses develop is a very positive experience. My favourite thing about working here though, is being part of a great team. They make every day fun and enjoyable!

Armed Forces Covenant

In 2023 Business Central and Innovation Central signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that those who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. By signing the covenant, we reinforce our commitment to support veterans as a military friendly work environment.

Modeshift Stars Business

Modeshift work with thousands of business, education and community settings across the UK to improve Travel Plan standards, share best practice and award Modeshift STARS accreditation. Darlington Workspace has achieved the Green award.

Effective Travel Plans are vital for a healthier, greener, and safer future, as they promote and enable more sustainable and active modes of travel. 

Find Us

Business Central
2 Union Square, Central Park, Darlington, DL1 1GL
Innovation Central
10 John Williams Boulevard South, Central Park, Darlington, DL1 1BF
Location map