Businesses and staff came together to celebrate the retirement of a stalwart of Darlington Workspace.
On 29 April 2026 revellers celebrated Ian Frostwick and his career as he embarks on his retirement. Ian started at Business Central in Darlington when it opened its doors for the very first time in 2015.
“To be here for over 11 years has been amazing,” said Ian Frostwick, Operational Support Executive. “Some might say it has even been a blast. It has been brilliant. I have made many friends and will keep in touch with then in retirement. I will miss them.
“The biggest highlight is when the very first client signed up to Business Central. It was a brand new centre, and you are thinking is this going to succeed. Fast forward a few years to when you are seeing the centre hit 100% occupancy was incredible.”
The celebration saw tenants new and old alongside colleagues come together to enjoy some well-deserved tea and cake.
Darlington Workspace features two modern workspace facilities, Business Central and Innovation Central. Ian has worked as part of the frontline team, providing operational support for the number of business and bookings across the two sites.
I have known Ian for many years,” said Vanessa Wood, Regional Property Management for the North East BIC. “I have had the pleasure of working with him for many years alongside Margaret.
“He has always been a great character and well-liked by all the clients and the staff he has a good intuition when it comes to sales.
“He is a people person, he remembers lots of details about our clients and he always stops to check in with them. The best thing about Ian is he really cares about the people he works alongside.
“We have had loads of funny moments especially when he has been made to dress up in fancy dress as part some of our events. He loves to banter with the clients and the other staff as well.
“We have been through everything together from floods, lightning storms, blocked drains COVID and accidents – pretty much anything you can think of. I look forward to reading his memoirs .
“We will miss him.”
Ian said: “I am looking forward to spending retirement enjoying holidays, babysitting duties, gardening, cleaning the shed out and the loft.”