Training firm Acorn relocates to create ten new jobs
A COMPANY specialising in helping people back into work and apprenticeship schemes has relocated to Staffordshire creating ten new jobs of its own.
Acorn Training, which already employs 45 staff, is extending its operations by moving from Hanley to new bigger premises at the old Tunstall Neighbourhood College.
The firm found its new home with support from the Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Inward Investment Service – a specialist team run jointly by Stoke-on-Trent City and Staffordshire County Councils to help businesses set up, grow and relocate into the area.
The service worked with Acorn to get a grant from the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Jobs and Growth Fund and to find the right offices to suit their needs.
Gareth Fallows, Acorn managing director said the move was all about growing the business in Stoke-on-Trent.
“We have always rented offices here since setting up in 2009. With year on year growth, it made financial sense to invest in a training facility that is modern, cost-effective, with more office, training suites and ample space to support future expansion plans. But we wanted to stay in the city,” he said.
“The help we got from the inward investment service was excellent. They clearly understood what we were looking for and helped us access the funding we needed to make the move a reality.”
Cllr Paul Shotton, deputy leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “It’s great news that Acorn is committed to grow and prosper in Stoke-on-Trent. Its HQ is another success story for the city. Stoke-on-Trent is a great place to do business and Acorn is in the business of growing new jobs and opportunities for local people. That’s a double win.”
Matt Hustwit, from Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, which administered the grant, added: “The Jobs and Growth Fund provides up to 20% towards capital expenditure projects for growing companies and is supported by the Regional Growth Fund. It’s all about growing jobs and prosperity in Stoke-on-Trent.”
