AN INTERNATIONAL sports brand has pledged to continue investing in the North-East after taking on two new members of staff and expanding its office space.

Dunlop Sports relocated its UK office to Darlington’s Lingfield Point in 2017, after it was sold by Sports Direct to Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries for $137.5m.

And now, the new owner is focused on investing heavily in the business and its players, tournaments and marketing to ensure it’s recognised as the number one tennis and rackets brand.

As a result, the company has just doubled the size of its offices at Lingfield House, Lingfield Point, to accommodate its growing sales and marketing team.

Steve Heatley, UK sales manager, said: “Since taking over from Sports Direct, Sumitomo’s investment has really allowed us to focus on growing the brand and making it great again.

“We looked at various business parks in Darlington and Stockton and Lingfield Point seemed to have the most to offer in terms of how it could support our business – the facilities are great, there’s plenty of meeting rooms and the building itself is particularly impressive.

“Lingfield Point was certainly the most flexible and accommodating in trying to meet our needs and so we were delighted to be able to expand here.”

Steve’s clients range from major high street sports retailers including Sports Direct to the UK’s leading specialist racket retailers.

Mr Heatley also said due to the firm's European head office being located in Eindhoven in Holland, the direct daily flights from Teesside to Amsterdam were a big factor in them choosing to base the business here.

Earlier this month, Stobart Group was revealed as the operator of Durham Tees Valley Airport following a Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen's decision to return it to public ownership.

Eddie Humphries, estates manager at Linfield Point, said: “It’s great to see a global business like Dunlop committing to Darlington and its expansion here at Lingfield Point highlights confidence in the North East as a great place to do business.

“We’re proud of being a business park with a difference, offering an excellent location and accessibility along with great customer service.

“We wish Steve and the team every success as they continue to grow.”

Last year, real estate investment managers, Frogmore, purchased Lingfield Point on behalf of an investment fund taking on the business park currently a base to 51 businesses, including the Student Loans Company and Capita.

The site, off the A66 and close to Darlington's new Amazon warehouse, was originally home to Paton and Baldwins, the world’s largest wool company.