Education recruitment specialist snaps up space at renovated mill complex

Maze Recruitment Group, a Yorkshire-based education recruitment specialist, has set up a base at Sunny Banks Mills in Farsley, near Leeds.

Maze has taken on space in the 1912 Mill at Sunny Bank Mills, where Yorkshire Television’s Emmerdale and Heartbeat were filmed.

It joins over 100 other companies which have moved to the renovated mill complex during the past 11 years.

Nicola Wilson, managing director of Maze, said: “We set up our business in 2020 initially working from home but the plan was always to open our own office in the Leeds area. We’re now in the second phase of scaling our business and have been looking for suitable office space for a while”. 

“Our new offices in the 1912 Mill are perfect, and we now have the right space to expand.

“We love the amenities at Sunny Bank Mills – the gym, yoga rooms, eateries, pub and so on. It’s a little community all in one place.

“The landlords William and John Gaunt are lovely and have been very welcoming and very transparent.”

John Gaunt said: “This move is a resounding endorsement of the quality of our flagship 1912 Mill, where the flexible space will allow the company to thrive.

“The progress of Maze during the past three years speaks for itself and we are confident their decision to join a vibrant business and cultural community here at Sunny Bank Mills will suit the company perfectly.”

The 1912 Mill is the most prominent and spacious building in the mill complex. Plans are now being drawn up to refurbish the building’s remaining 15,000 sq ft into office space over two floors, which will be available to let.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Sunny Bank Mills last month, and commented: “It has been fantastic to meet local artisans and entrepreneurs at Sunny Bank Mills and to see the transformation of this former textile mill into a thriving hub for businesses.

“It is vital to back the incredible people and businesses of Leeds.”

Sarah-Jayne Lishman, of Leeds-based marketing agents Dove Haigh Phillips, said: “The owners of Sunny Bank Mills took the brave decision to invest heavily in their mill and this decision has paid dividends.

“This is one of the most significant mill regeneration projects in Yorkshire and is now one of the prime business locations in the West Leeds area.”