Canada’s largest independent video game studio has doubled its space at Albert North.

The company strategically entered the UK market a year ago when it acquired award-winning Middlesbrough-based games studio SockMonkey. The move meant it could meet the growing demand for its development services, which have made Behaviour a go-to provider for partners such as Microsoft, Sony, EA, Warner and Take-Two, among others.

Already based at Albert North, SockMonkey was Behaviour’s first European investment. This resulted in it being renamed Behaviour UK – North, making it clear that it was now part of the same family as Behaviour’s Toronto and Montreal studios and Seattle in the United States.

Since the acquisition, Behaviour’s UK team has attracted talented developers from across the country, nearly doubling its size to over 80. They are also expanding their existing links with Teesside University and local colleges to educate and encourage more youngsters into game development and showcase the exciting STEM careers they could have in the future.

“We’ve always admired the UK’s rich pool of gaming talent, and our expansion to the country is now letting us tap it to the great benefit of our development partners,” said Wayne Meazza, Behaviour Interactive’s Executive Vice-President.

“It’s been an exciting year for us in the UK, and we have every intention of building on this momentum over the next 12 months and well into the future.”

Already occupying 5,000 sq ft of office space in the prestigious 16/26 Albert Road, the company’s continued growth required additional space, with a further 6,000 sq ft now being taken within the building.

Expanding the Albert North office demonstrates Behaviour’s desire to invest heavily in providing its team with a fantastic environment, ensuring everyone is well looked after, whilst supporting its growth plans to attract more world-class talent to Teesside.

Bob Makin, General Manager of Behaviour’s UK operations, said, “It’s been an incredible first year with Behaviour, one filled with amazing projects that many of us could previously only dream of working on.

“We’re very fortunate to have Behaviour here and create not just jobs but unique opportunities for UK developers.

“Jomast have been terrific at supporting our expansion plans. They have worked with us to design the additional space to our specification, and we are delighted we have been able to remain here.”

Albert North has become the preferred location for many high-profile and ambitious tech businesses such as Big Bite, Salesfire, Alt Labs, Techquity, Mabo and Wander, and this has resulted in an expanded digital cluster and bustling commercial district.

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said:” We’re delighted to have been able to support Behaviour’s growth plans, and enjoyed working closely with the Montreal office to carry out a full refit of the space including the installation of 5 miles of additional data cabling that were required.”

“Albert North has become home to a strong and thriving tech community, and we are proud to have been able to support many of these companies’ ambitious growth plans.”

Any individuals interested in a role at Behaviour can find more details at bhvr.com/jobs/.

New co-working space Flok is the latest tenant to move into Albert North, Middlesbrough’s most vibrant business community.

The 5,000 sq ft Flok office, which has capacity for 200 people, will be managed by integrated digital agency Alt Labs, who have a permanent office in the building.

Having experienced first-hand the benefits of co-working spaces in London and other big cities, Alt Labs CEO & Founder Imran Anwar has spent the last two years working on his vision for a world-class co-working space for Teesside.

“We viewed various locations to open the first Flok, and once we looked around Albert North, we knew straight away it was right.

“Being able to take such a large space meant it was very flexible, and we could build everything to match our vision. The location, surrounded by some of Middlesbrough’s most innovative digital and creative businesses, is the perfect match for the audience we’re looking to attract to Flok.”, said Imran.

Jomast has spent the last four years transforming Albert Road into Albert North. With the support of Middlesbrough Council, the area has benefited from significant regeneration, with many of the town’s iconic buildings renovated to create a bustling commercial district. It’s now a thriving business community and home to a number of world-leading companies and local independents.

“Teesside has a wealth of talent across the creative and digital sector, and it’s vital we retain that talent by providing them with aspirational, flexible workspaces that will support their growth and help them thrive”, added Imran.

Designed in conjunction with local interior design studio Cocoon & Bauer and fitted out by Jomast, Flok offers a purpose-built auditorium, a fully-equipped podcast room, meeting rooms, individual work pods, and a members-only café with a Modbar coffee system.

With several levels of tiered membership available, the versatile office space offers daily hot-desking and dedicated desks. Benefits include lunch and learn events, high-speed, secure wi-fi, bike storage and concierge services.

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said: “Flok is a fantastic addition to Albert North and the space looks incredible. Its ambitious and welcoming approach to co-working is perfectly suited to our ever-expanding digital and creative community of high-profile businesses, including Big Bite, Wander Films, Salesfire, Sock Monkey, Techquity and Mabo.

With only four remaining upper floors available at 28/32 Albert Road, Jomast is focused on attracting smaller independents and food and beverage operators to the remaining ground floor units. “We already have Pie Jackers, Alkaline Kitchen, King B, Salon Twenty-One, Derma Advanced Aesthetics and Artemis Cards at Albert North, and we would like to add more service operators such as independent retailers, cafes, bars and restaurants,” added Mark.

Businesses relocating to Albert North can take advantage of perks such as high-speed broadband, rent incentives and free public health initiatives for all staff. Anyone interested in leasing units should contact Jomast directly on 01642 666 936 or visit www.albertnorth.co.uk for more details.

A trio of trailblazing businesses have relocated to Albert North to accommodate their future growth.

Wander, Techquity and Aero Commerce have made the move to the vibrant business community in Middlesbrough’s historic quarter to accommodate their future growth.

Award-winning full-service video marketing company Wander Films are totally stoked to have relocated into their new home. Since it launched five years ago the company has gone from strength-to-strength.

Founders Chloe Clover and Lou Tonner had been travelling the world when they were first inspired to create videos for tourism businesses. But they both knew that if they wanted the company to grow into something special, they needed to relocate and establish themselves back home in Teesside.

Initially working from a bedroom at home, they quickly became established and took space within Teesside University before moving into Boho Five.

“Our growth has been phenomenal,” said Chloe. “We went from one room in Boho Five to taking over a whole floor, and having recruited 16 staff; we realised our existing space no longer met our needs, so we started searching for a new one”.

Staying in Middlesbrough was a crucial part of the search process. “It’s home to us, we’re passionate about retaining local talent, and we want to prove that you can be successful here”, added Chloe.

Chloe and Lou were already aware of Albert North’s growing digital and creative community, having seen numerous high-profile businesses like Big Bite, Sock Monkey, Mabo, Appamondo and Salesfire relocate here.

“It’s a really exciting place to be, and we wanted to be part of that,” said Lou.

“We need a location with good accessibility and a space big enough to grow, and Jomast really helped us navigate the different types of office space available at Albert North and find a place that worked perfectly for us”.

Wander Films talent for creating high impact engaging videos and helping businesses to #BeatTheScroll™ has seen them build an impressive portfolio of national and international clients. Their new ground floor office at 23/25 Albert Road provides 3,500 sq ft, and it has been designed to Wander Films exact specification by leading interior design specialists Cocoon & Bauer.

“We’ve got our own, dedicated space exactly how we want it; we are bang in the centre of town, which was important to us, and we’re only a short walk to the rail station; it’s mint”, added Chloe.

Two other companies that have also relocated to Albert North to accommodate their growth are ecommerce agency Techquity and ecommerce platform Aero Commerce, which, together, have taken over the entire first floor of 28/32 Albert Road. Both were already based in the town but had rapidly expanded and outgrown their premises.

Richard Bendelow, Director of Techquity and Aero Commerce, said: “Being able to take an entire floor in Albert North meant we could design the space to our own specification.

“When we were looking for a new home to accommodate our ambitious growth plans, Albert North appealed to us as it provided everything we needed now and could accommodate our future growth needs”.

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said: “Wander, Techquity and Aero Commerce are fantastic additions to the Albert North community.

“We reinvented Albert North to specifically attract ambitious digital and creative businesses, and it has fast become an established cluster.

“We’re passionate about creating better places for people to work, our fit-outs are second to none, and we can provide businesses with a bespoke design service”.

As well as promoting the five remaining floors at 28/32 Albert Road, Jomast’s attention is also focused on attracting smaller independents and food and beverage operators to the available ground floor units.

“We already have Pie Jackers, Alkaline Kitchen, King B, Salon Twenty-One and Derma Advanced Aesthetics at Albert North, and we would like to add more service operators such as independent retailers, cafes, bars and restaurants”, added Mark.

The rebirth of the town’s historic quarter has gone from strength to strength since Albert Road was transformed by Jomast into Albert North. With support from Middlesbrough Council, the area has benefited from significant regeneration with many of the town’s iconic buildings renovated to expand the digital cluster and create a bustling commercial district.

Local property and regeneration specialist Jomast urges digital and creative businesses not to miss out on five years’ rates relief available at Albert North.

Albert North sits within Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter, which is a government-approved enterprise zone. This status means companies operating in the digital technology and creative sector who relocate here can qualify for business rate relief of up to £55,000 per year for five years, totalling £275,000.

The current business rate discount period ends on 31 March 2022, and businesses that take space in Albert North ahead of the deadline will be entitled to the enterprise zone rate relief.

Albert Road, a main thoroughfare in the town, was transformed into Albert North three years ago, and the area’s rebirth has gone from strength to strength.

Since regeneration of the area started, Jomast has let over 50,000 sq ft and welcomed numerous high-profile digital and creative businesses, including Mabo, Big Bite, Salesfire, SockMonkey, Appamondo, LouTom Media, iConvert and Sequencer.

Its collection of eclectic and historical buildings and close proximity to Middlesbrough Rail Station, which offers direct trains to London, has proved very popular with businesses that have chosen to relocate to the area.

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said: “The opportunity to benefit from business rates relief within this enterprise zone will be coming to an end early next year.

“The amount businesses can save is significant, and we wanted to highlight the deadline so digital and creative companies don’t miss out.”

The response to Albert North has been tremendous, and with such a high occupancy level, Jomast is currently refurbishing TWENTYEIGHT/32 to make more office space available.

Mark added: “This building offers circa 24,000 sq ft over six floors and will benefit from a complete refit including a new reception, new lifts and external enhancements.

“Once again, we’re working with interior design specialists Cocoon & Bauer to ensure we provide the open, modern and flexible space businesses are looking for to meet their growing needs.”

Businesses relocating to Albert North can also take advantage of an incentive scheme that includes perks such as high-speed broadband, rent incentives, free public health initiatives for all staff and a town centre loyalty card with exclusive discounts.

Anyone interested in leasing units should contact Jomast directly on 01642 666 936 for more details.

A beating heart of light will be beamed out across Middlesbrough’s skyline in a display of hope and positivity.

The pulsating heart installation inside Church House is part of a series of public artworks delivered by Navigator North.

Videos and images of the heart were shared across social media during testing, with the official switch-on taking place on Thursday (September 30) at around 7pm.

Beating Heart by Teesside artist Stuart Langley has previously been shown in Leeds, Manchester and London and is now coming home to Middlesbrough.

Church House will be illuminated during evenings for two weeks by the installation, which is in collaboration with Artistic Solutions Hartlepool.

The switch-on coincides with the launch of this year’s Middlesbrough Art Weekender.

Stuart said: “Beating Heart has been really well received elsewhere in the country so it’s great to finally switch it on at home.

“I hope it can help people think differently about the town centre and everything we have here. To be able to coincide with the art weekender is brilliant – there’s so much going on in Middlesbrough with talented artists trying new and interesting things.”

Middlesbrough’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mieka Smiles, said: “I’m so excited for this. The heart is a simple and powerful piece of art that will impress so many people.

“There was a mini social media frenzy just when Stuart was doing his final testing and I’m sure all of that intrigue will lead lots of people to head into town for a look.”

Church House, on the corner of Bedford Street and Linthorpe Road, is owned by Jomast, who have made the project possible.

The company’s commercial property director, Mark Hill, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to help Stuart bring Beating Heart to Middlesbrough.

“Art and culture are an integral part of the town, and this installation within Church House is a fantastic opportunity to project a positive message to the people of Middlesbrough and beyond.”

Middlesbrough Art Weekender runs until October 3 and features more than 50 artists across 17 venues. The family-friendly event is free and accessible to all.

Also being launched to coincide with the festival are Meteor and TRANSMIT, TRANSFORM, TRANSLATE.

Artist Mark Gubb’s neon light work of a meteor has been installed on the roof of the Dorman Museum.

The piece recalls a meteorite which was witnessed plummeting to earth on March 14, 1881 by three railway workers at Pennyman’s Siding, close to the site of Roseberry Park Hospital.

And Stephen Hurrel has reactivated the five red telephone boxes outside Middlesbrough Town Hall using light, colour and sound.

All three projects are part of a series of public art installations, largely funded by Arts Council England and initiated by Creative Factory.

Image: The Beating Heart Middlesbrough by Stuart Langley. Photo credit: Ashley Foster.

Local property and regeneration specialist Jomast has announced further investment in Albert North, a multi-million-pound regeneration project in the centre of Middlesbrough.

Albert Road, which is a main thoroughfare in the town, was transformed into Albert North two years ago and the rebirth of the area has gone from strength to strength.

Made up of a collection of eclectic buildings it has benefited from a significant transformation. It now boasts a number of modern studios and offices, as well as food and drink outlets and is home to many of the towns digital and creative businesses.

Since regeneration of the area started, Jomast has let over 50,000 sq ft and welcomed numerous high-profile businesses, including Mabo, Big Bite, Salesfire, SockMonkey, Appamondo, The Human Group, LouTom Media and iConvert.

All of the upper floor space at its SIXTEEN/26 building is now fully occupied. Several ground floor units have also been taken by various independents, including Cocoon & Bauer, Pie Jackers, Alkaline Kitchen, Ananda Wellbeing and King B.

Albert North’s close proximity to Middlesbrough Rail Station has also proved popular with businesses that have chosen to relocate to the area. With further improvements to the station underway and new direct trains from Middlesbrough to London starting later this year, it provides excellent public transport links across the region and the UK.

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said: “The response to Albert North has been tremendous, and with such a high level of occupancy, our focus now moves onto refurbishing TWENTYEIGHT/32 which was occupied by Barclays up until the end of last year.

“The building offers circa 24,000 sq ft over six floors and will benefit from a full refit including a new reception, new lifts and external enhancements.

“Once again, we’re working with interior design specialists Cocoon & Bauer to ensure we provide the open, modern and flexible office space businesses are looking for to meet their growing needs.”

The work will take approximately nine months and once completed will further enhance this historic part of the town.

Businesses relocating to Albert North can take advantage of an incentive scheme which includes perks such as high-speed broadband, rent and rate incentives, free public health initiatives for all staff and a town centre loyalty card with exclusive discounts.

Anyone interested in leasing units should contact Jomast directly on 01642 666 936 for more details.

SockMonkey has relocated to Albert North to accommodate ambitious growth plans which will see them triple staff numbers by the end of 2021.

The company joins a host of other rapidly expanding tech companies who have already moved to the area including Mabo, Salesfire, Big Bite, Appamondo, LouTom Media and iConvert.

Founded in 2013, the video games development studio has landed prestigious contracts to work on console and PC titles around the globe, including US-based indie game developer and publisher tinyBuild and Outfit7, one of the fastest-growing multinational family entertainment companies in the world.

Acquiring 5,000 sq ft of office space on the fifth floor within the prestigious SIXTEEN/26 building is another exciting step for the company. It follows an announcement in the summer that it had secured £250k investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to enable them to fund Fish Tanks, its first original title that will launch next year.

Bob Makin, SockMonkey’s CEO, said; “We’ve experienced tremendous growth recently and having almost doubled the team we had quickly outgrown our studio space in Boho Five.

“Keen to stay in Middlesbrough’s digital cluster, we needed a new office that would accommodate our future growth plans.

“When we visited SIXTEEN/26 at Albert North, we immediately loved the location and the large, modern open plan space.

“The big plus for us was Jomast had listened to the needs of the digital sector and already created a vibrant community that met all our requirements”.

Despite the current backdrop of COVID-19, the company has continued to add to its existing headcount throughout the year, meaning its phased growth plan remains on track.

Having created many successful games for other companies, SockMonkey is incredibly excited to be launching their own original title.

“This year has been challenging for so many businesses. We’ve been lucky that despite everything that is happening the gaming sector continues to grow rapidly, and our ambition to launch our own game will become a reality” added Bob.

“Albert North has fast become one of the area’s biggest tech clusters, and with its central location, the mix of ambitious digital and creative businesses combined with a variety of independents and food outlets make it easy to see why so many want to move here.”

It’s almost two years since Jomast transformed Albert Road into Albert North and with support from Middlesbrough Council the area has benefitted from significant regeneration. With so many high-profile, ambitious tech businesses making a move here the area has become a natural extension of the Boho Zone resulting in an expanded digital cluster and bustling commercial district.

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast, said: “The response to Albert North has been tremendous, and the area is becoming a real success story.

“We’re delighted to have been able to help a number of fast-growing businesses in the local tech sector make a move into larger office accommodation so they can continue to pursue their growth ambitions.

“With all the upper floor space at SIXTEEN/26 fully occupied our focus early in the new year will be to refurbish the neighbouring property TWENTYEIGHT/32. This six-storey building will offer a further 24,000 sq ft of bespoke office space.

“We also have some ground-floor units available which are suitable for a variety of uses such as food and beverage operators, independent retailers as well as office space.”

“The growing tech sector is complemented by other independent businesses including King B, Cocoon & Bauer, Pie Jackers, Alkaline Kitchen and Ananda Wellbeing, which together provide a vibrant business community.”