We're in good company...

Dame Irene Hays DBE, DL, Owner and Chair of Hays Travel 

Hays Travel has had a presence in Sunderland city centre since the 1980s. Even though we have branches all over the UK now - our roots are here, so when it came to choosing a location for our head office Sunderland was the only choice. We have 500 employees in our head office, most recruited from the local area, including apprentices and graduates who learn and develop their skills through our in-house training programmes. We also have three city centre retail branches, which all continue to trade well and have their own customer base. Like most high streets Sunderland has changed a lot over the years, as it adapted and redefined its purpose. The tangible results of years of effort by public and private sector partners are positive to see; we have businesses moving into excellent new office spaces, and many cranes on the skyline indicating the physical infrastructure developments underway. Our city centre businesses need action, activity, and the right mix of office, leisure, and retail to meet the needs of Sunderland centre's changing inhabitants. I am pleased to be able to work alongside Sunderland BID and other city centre business and partners to support their work.

The Botanist

The Botanist Mary O'Shea, operations manager at New World Trading Co, who own the Botanist brand, said they were delighted with the response they received after welcoming over 30,000 visitors in their first three months after opening. "The reception has been overwhelming really," she said at the time. "We have been so welcomed by Sunderland. A lot of people from the area used to go to the Newcastle branch and they seem really happy to now have a Botanist on their doorstep. Our launch night here was one of the biggest responses we've ever had to an opening."

Keel Tavern

Ollie Vaulkhard, owner of The Vaulkhard Group, said: "We're not a huge chain or brand who opens four new pubs a year, each venue is unique. But Sunderland has been so welcoming. We've had so much support from customers as well as nearby businesses such as The Peacock and The Engine Room, it's been an absolute joy and I don't know why I didn't open a bar here sooner to be honest.

Mother Mercy

Mother Mercy Co-founder, Neil Donachie, said "Sunderland is a city with significant history and culture that is seeing major investment and regeneration. With our successful track record in the cocktail and hospitality scene, we're looking forward to becoming part of this culture and we're confident that Mother Mercy will quickly become a favourite for locals and visitors alike."

Fat Unicorn

Amanda Martin, co-founder of Fat Unicorn, said: "The city centre has such a strong community vibe where businesses all support and care for one another and the wider community. The people are also very welcoming, encouraging and supportive to new businesses and have a strong sense of community not often found in most cities. "Looking forward, it is also a very exciting period for the city. Huge changes driven by Sunderland City Council are adding more housing and offices to the city centre and the open communication they have with businesses, explaining what is happening with developments, really ensures we feel connected and part of the city's journey.

Harrison & Brown Furniture  

Mandy Brown, owner of independent furniture retailer, Harrison and Brown, has been trading in Sunderland city centre since 2017, and is one of many businesses now seeing the benefits of the Council's significant investment and redevelopment. She commented, "Sunderland is a rapidly changing city and the major transformation happening around us is exciting for any retail business. We are becoming something 'reimagined and new', and it's absolutely great to see. "We have a fantastic (and diverse) food and drink offering with more on the way, and the new city centre housing developments which are being built now and planned for the future again, will drive huge footfall. The eye hospital which is being constructed and relocated, is within walking distance and this will encourage even more people into the city centre. "As a successful Wearside business, it's really important to have confidence in our environment, and the redevelopment that is happening is giving us and many others just that. The regeneration is amazing. "The City Council and Sunderland Business Improvement District have a great relationship with local businesses, especially independent traders, so we're delighted to be part of the retail landscape now and going forward."

Sunderland BID

In partnership with the council, we're working on a retail strategy that aligns with the city's broader goals and are actively seeking to attract brands that will complement Sunderland's evolving landscape. There are exciting projects on the horizon, which will see ideas around new retail, hospitality and leisure venues come to fruition and encourage yet more people to the city centre.