Li Centre Manager Clavering House

Meet Li!

Meet Li!

We’re delighted to introduce Li, the friendly face and dedicated Centre Manager at Clavering House! With years of experience in client care and business support, Li brings energy, organisation, and a personal touch to everything she does.

From overseeing the smooth running of the building to supporting tenants with their day-to-day needs, Li is at the heart of

Li Centre Manager Clavering House

 Clavering House. Her background in operations, administration, and customer service means she’s always ready to solve problems, answer questions, and make sure every client feels right at home.

Li’s passion lies in creating a professional yet welcoming environment where businesses can thrive. Whether she’s coordinating virtual office services, greeting guests at reception, or helping tenants settle into their new office, she makes sure everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes.

Outside of work, Li is studying for a degree in Psychology with Counselling through the Open University, combining her love of learning with her interest in people. She also enjoys hiking in the Northumberland countryside, getting lost in a good book, and spending time with her mischievous black cats.

Her aim? To support your business adventure with care, efficiency, and a smile.

Next time you’re at Clavering House, be sure to say hello; you’ll quickly see why she’s such a valued part of the team.  Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn.


Client Spotlight: Carter Burnett

Tenant Spotlight: Carter Burnett

We’re delighted to welcome Carter Burnett to Clavering House!

After five successful years in Newcastle, Carter Burnett have joined our growing business community, setting up in our Basement Suite as part of their ongoing expansion. The Newcastle team, led by Office Manager Seamus Kelly and Assistant Sean Linley, continue to play a key role in growing their North East presence.

Founded in 2018, Carter Burnett are specialists in Costs Litigation. With more than 100 years of collective experience, their team of Costs Lawyers and consultants are highly regarded for their expertise in areas including:

 

  • Complex clinical negligence litigation and disputes

  • Preparation and management of costs budgets in multi-million-pound claims

  • Support with Multi-Track cases through to trial

  • Consultancy for barristers assisting with fee challenges

  • Mediation of commercial disputes

They pride themselves on delivering first-rate advice, a quick turnaround, and working in close partnership with their clients to achieve outstanding results.

We’re so pleased to have Carter Burnett join our community here at Clavering House and can’t wait to see them settle into their new space.

Learn more about them on their LinkedIn page and take a look at our current office availability if you’d like to join them here in the heart of Newcastle.


When the Post Lets Us Down: The Hidden Struggle of Virtual Office Providers

When the Post Lets Us Down: The Hidden Struggle of Virtual Office Providers

As a virtual office provider, trust is everything. Our clients rely on us to handle their business correspondence with care, efficiency, and discretion. And we take that responsibility seriously; sometimes a bit too personally when things go wrong.

Lately, one issue has been weighing heavily on us: the decline in postal reliability from Royal Mail.

Despite our best efforts, we’re increasingly seeing delays that are entirely out of our control. Mail that takes weeks to arrive. Critical documents going missing or turning up dangerously late. And while we process and dispatch every item on the same day it reaches us, we're at the mercy of the system. Twice.

  1. First, we wait for Royal Mail to deliver incoming post to us (which can already be delayed).

  2. Then, we send it out again via First Class, again no control over when it arrives.

These aren’t isolated incidents. If you’ve seen the recent Panorama episode, or read this article from the Guardian or this BBC article, you’ll know that service issues across the UK are widespread and well documented. Industrial action, staff shortages, lack of coverage for sickness and holidays… the list goes on.

What matters most to us is the impact this has on you, our clients.

It’s not just about missed mail. It’s about the stress, the extra admin, and the pressure it puts on your business; all of which we feel too. When delays happen, we feel the same frustration and helplessness, because we pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of service. And when we fall short through no fault of our own, it still feels like a failure.

But we’re not just throwing our hands up.

To mitigate the risk of delays, we offer:

  • Same-day scanning and emailing of important documents upon arrival
  • In-person collection options for urgent mail
  • Ongoing escalation of persistent issues directly to Royal Mail

We know these solutions don’t fix the underlying problem. But they do give you options, and more importantly reassurance, that we’re doing all we can behind the scenes.

To our clients: thank you for your patience and understanding on the occasions things do go wrong. And to fellow business centres and virtual office teams out there - you’re not alone in this.

We’ll keep advocating for better service. But in the meantime, we’ll keep doing what we always do: showing up, paying attention, and taking care of your business like it’s our own.


Client Spotlight: Vivo Body Studio

Tenant Spotlight: VIVO Body Studio – Advanced Aesthetics with a Personal Touch

Vivo Body Studio Newcastle

We’re delighted to welcome one of our newest tenants at Clavering House: VIVO Body Studio, the UK’s next-generation aesthetics clinic. Whether you're looking to tone muscle, reduce fat, or refresh your appearance, VIVO offers innovative, non-invasive treatments delivered with exceptional care.

 

Putting Clients First

What truly sets VIVO apart is their commitment to personalised service. Every treatment is tailored to the individual, and the team goes the extra mile to ensure clients feel heard, supported, and confident in their results. The ethos at VIVO is all about balance, combining high-quality service with affordable pricing, and cutting-edge technology with a warm, human approach.

Fat Freezing NewcastleEthical, Expert-Led Aesthetics

At the heart of VIVO’s work is a strong ethical commitment: they won’t recommend a treatment if it’s not right for you. Health and wellbeing always come first. The team is made up of experienced industry professionals who are constantly training and evolving to stay ahead of the curve; bringing the latest techniques and equipment to their clients in a safe, welcoming environment.

A Range of Non-Invasive Treatments

VIVO offers a wide selection of body and facial treatments, including:
  • Fat Freezing and Lemon Bottle fat-dissolving injections
  • Ultrasound and shockwave for body contouring
  • HIFU FaceliftsPlasma Eye Lifts, and Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
  • Cellulite Reduction, and even HIFU Vaginal Tightening treatments
All treatments are currently on special offer from just £99, with bookings secured by a £50 deposit. However, for all Clavering House residents, family and friends use code “GIVEME10” at checkout when booking online to get an extra 10% discount on top.

Why They Chose Clavering House

VIVO Body Studio is building their North East presence from Clavering House, drawn by its central location, professional setting, and welcoming community. We’re proud to support their journey and see them grow from their new city centre base.

Curious to find out more?

VIVO offers free consultations, so if you’re wondering whether a treatment might be right for you, they’d love to chat. You can visit their website to book an appointment and see the full treatment menu. You can also call them on 0333 0124065 or start a conversation with them via Whatsapp on there website.

Apollo Blinds Newcastle

Client Spotlight: Apollo Blinds Newcastle

Client Spotlight: Apollo Blinds Newcastle

Apollo Blinds is Newcastle’s go-to for superior, made-to-measure window treatments. Owned by Derek and Oli, their team is dedicated to transforming your home with an extensive range of blinds, shutters, awnings and curtains;  designed to add style and function to every room.

A Tradition of Quality and Expertise

Apollo Blind NewcastleSince 1972, Apollo Blinds has been at the forefront of not only creating stunning window coverings but also ensuring they are installed to perfection. Their expert installation teams, trained the "Apollo way", are continually honing their skills through regular professional development. This commitment means every product, from elegant Roman and Venetian blinds to versatile vertical, roller and wooden options, is fitted with precision, ensuring lasting performance.

Innovative Collections for Every HomeApollo Blinds Newcastle

Apollo Blinds offers a wide variety of collections that cater to diverse needs:

  • Popular Blinds: Choose from Roller, Roman, Venetian, Vertical and Wooden blinds.
  • Specialist Options: Discover solutions for conservatories, Duette®, Special Shapes, Pleated blinds, or even bespoke designs featuring your own photo or artwork.

Visit the New Showroom

Experience the quality firsthand by visiting their new showroom in Whitley Bay at 225 Whitley Road, NE26 2SY. With welcoming opening hours (Tue-Fri: 10AM to 4PM, Sat: 10AM to 2PM), it is the perfect opportunity to explore their collections and see demonstrations on how their products work, complete with tips for care and smart home integration.

Apollo Blinds NewcastleConnect with Apollo Blinds

Whether you are looking for a free, no-obligation home visit or want to chat about your next home transformation project, Apollo Blinds Newcastle is ready to help you every step of the way.

Apollo Blinds is not just about beautiful window coverings, it is about delivering an experience where style meets reliability. Discover how they can bring your vision to life, ensuring your new window treatments work flawlessly for years to come.


Tenant Spotlight: Newcastle Gas Services Ltd

Commercial and Domestic Gas Experts Serving the North East

We are pleased to spotlight Newcastle Gas Services Ltd, a trusted name in gas and heating services for Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, and the wider North East. Specialising in both commercial and domestic sectors, Newcastle Gas Services provides reliable and efficient solutions for all your gas and heating needs.

Why Newcastle Gas Services Stands Out
With a team of Gas Safe registered engineers, Newcastle Gas Services offers a wide array of services, from emergency repairs to full central heating installations. Known for their quick response times, no call-out fees, and 12-month guarantees, they ensure high-quality service every time.

Key Services:

  • Emergency Gas and Boiler Repairs: Fast and effective repairs for gas leaks and boiler breakdowns to keep your home or business running smoothly.
  • Boiler Installation and Servicing: Professional installation of new boilers and regular maintenance to ensure peak efficiency.
  • Gas Safety Certifications: Ensuring safety for homes and businesses, they offer domestic gas safety certificates (CP12) and commercial catering certificates.
  • Powerflush Services: Improve the efficiency of your heating system with a thorough Powerflush service available in Newcastle, Washington, and Durham.
  • Commercial Gas Services: From warm air units to commercial boiler systems, they offer installation and repair services for businesses across the region.

What Sets Them Apart:

  • Professional and Reliable: Their highly qualified engineers deliver trustworthy service, ensuring customer peace of mind.
  • Free Estimates and Advice: Clients receive transparent pricing and helpful advice to make the right decision for their gas and heating needs.
  • 12-Month Warranty: All work is guaranteed for 12 months, providing confidence and assurance in the quality of their service.
  • No Call-Out Fees: With Newcastle Gas Services, there are no hidden fees, ensuring you only pay for the work you need.

What Clients Are Saying

Newcastle Gas Services’ reputation for reliability and expertise is reflected in glowing client feedback:

  • Ben Crowe: "Ram fixed a small gas leak - great service, very responsive and professional."
  • Raasti Naseem: "Very efficient and well-priced, highly recommend!"

Why Clavering House?

Newcastle Gas Services has chosen Clavering House for its convenient central location and flexible office solutions. This allows them to focus on their core mission—providing exceptional gas and heating services to clients across the North East.

Get in Touch

To learn more about Newcastle Gas Services and how they can help with your gas and heating needs, visit their website or contact them directly:

📞 Phone: 0800 331 7751
📍 Address: Clavering House, Clavering Place, Newcastle, NE1 3NG
📧 Email: office@newcastlegasservices.co.uk
🌐 www.newcastlegasservices.co.uk

 


Is your business being talked about?

Here at Clavering House Business Centre in Newcastle we're not exclusively about providing great serviced offices and meeting rooms - we're also  working hard to help our business customers to grow. So we've been talking to local suppliers of high impact business services and, even better, negotiating special offers and discounts to help our customers to take advantage of them.

We're pleased to now be able to introduce you to Gosforth-based PR and Marketing company HFPR, run by Gosforth-based Hilary Florek who has over 20 years of experience and a great track-record of helping organisations across lots of different sectors to get talked about.

Hilary explains "PR support can sometimes be thought of as a luxury, particularly for smaller businesses, so we want to make sure that, if you want it, you can get it.  To quote Bill Gates, 'If I was down to my last dollar I would spend it on public relations'. We're so pleased to be able to offer Clavering House customers a special package costing only £250 to get them started with PR and marketing, to make sure their business is being talked about!"

HFPR can support you to develop a PR strategy, either for you to then deliver yourself, or HFPR would be happy to get involved in implementing it for you. They'll help you to come up with lots of ideas around what you want to achieve from PR, to identify your stories, and to work out how to get your business talked about on social media. For a one-off fee of only £250 you will get:

  • Meeting to discuss PR objectives
  • Basic PR strategy document
  • Press release
  • Social media strategy document and help managing your social media
  • Plan and ideas on how we can help you on and ongoing basis

HFPRTo take advantage of this great offer just get in touch with Hilary direct at

http://www.hilaryflorekpr.co.uk/#contact

To secure your special offer just make sure you mention that Clavering House Business Centre sent you!


supporting newcastle start-up week

Special offers for Newcastle Start-up Week

When we were approached to support the first ever Newcastle Start-up week we were of course privileged to be asked, and it was a massive thumbs up from us! At Clavering House Business Centre we support hundreds of businesses every year, and as small business owners ourselves we know how much it means to have the opportunity to step outside of the day job to be helped and inspired!

Hats off to Paul Lancaster for getting this off the ground, and for what looks like a great programme of support for the Newcastle small business community.

Take advantage of free Clavering House hospitality

hot-desks Newcastle city centreMuch of the Start-up week activity is taking place at our neighbour The Boiler Shop. Clavering House is literally a stone's throw away, so we're offering Start-up Week patrons the chance to take advantage of free hospitality throughout the week. From Monday 15th May to Friday 19th May if you present your Start-up week ticket you can call in and use our hot-desks and superfast broadband *for free* as many times as you like.

You can book in advance or just call in any time to reserve your desk!

40% discount off NE1 mailing address for start-up week participants

For business owners with a Start-up Week ticket we're also offering you a huge 40% discount on  our virtual office mailing address service. If you sign up by 31st May you'll pay only £15 + vat per month   until the end of November 2017. After that you still get a great deal at only £25 + vat a month!

Find out more about our virtual office services here.

This is a huge benefit if you want the convenience and profile of a city centre office (Clavering House is a great place to virtually locate your business!) without the cost of hiring an office while you're getting started. You can also use our address as your registered office, removing lots of headaches associated with using your home address for your start-up.

Get in touch if you'd like to find out more.

Full details of the packed Newcastle Start-up Week schedule can be found here https://newcastlestartupweek.com/schedule/


***SOLD*** Train spotters will love this central office to let!

Truly a room with a view! This serviced office to let in Newcastle City Centre is soon to be vacant.

When we describe the location of Clavering House Business Centre we explain that our Grade II listed building is located right behind the station, which it is, but we don't often reveal that the track heading for the station is actually in clear view - we've had the privilege of waving at Orient Express passengers more than once!

This bright and spacious open plan office is available for immediate let

  • 600 sq ft office located on 2nd floor
  • Ideal space for up to 10 people
  • Superfast 100 mg broadband
  • Air conditioning
  • Easy access to kitchen and toilets

Parking

  • Optional parking spaces for tenants in a secure gated car park (subject to availability)
  • Access to pre-bookable visitors parking
  • Excellent city centre parking in the immediate vicinity

Flexible Terms

  • 12 months flexible licence agreement (can be extended)
  • Only 2 months notice

Telecommunications

  • Superfast 100 mg broadband at no extra cost
  • Free WiFi for visitors
  • Easy access to professional IT and comms support

Business services

  • Meeting rooms for hire with tenant discounts
  • Friendly and professional reception service
  • Mail and parcel delivery handling
  • Telephone call handling at no extra cost
  • Promotion of your business to other tenants and customers
  • Admin support such as document scanning

Tenants services

  • Kitchen with microwave and fridge
  • Cleaning services
  • Utilities at no extra cost
  • Pay as you go car valeting service

Promotional video for Clavering House

Clavering House Business Centre may wish to commission a Newcastle-based video production company to produce a promotional video to showcase what we have to offer.

Here's what we need (and what we don't need!)

We're not looking for a Hollywood blockbuster (with a budget to match!) - just a simple, honest , well produced video of no more than 3 minutes that matches our branding, and that clearly illustrates the following:

  • Where we are located
  • The features of our beautiful Grade II listed building
  • Examples of meeting rooms for hire and service offices to rent
  • Very short soundbite testimonials from 6 customers (max 10/15 seconds each) filmed within the customers' office or the meeting room they hire
  • An interview with the MD, Helen Reed, to explain the features of our 4 core services - serviced offices, meeting rooms, virtual office services and hot-desks - partly to camera, but mainly as the narrative for the video (ie we want it to be real and accessible, avoiding elevator music).

If you're interested in pitching for this work can you please email by no later than 4 pm on Tuesday 7th February with your responses to the following questions, and we'll get back to you to let you know if we'd like to take it further.
(Please don't spend your valuable time attaching or including any additional information over and above what we've specifically asked for at this stage - if we want to know more we'll let you know - we'll make a short-list from the responses to the questions listed first - thanks)

To pitch please email your responses to the following 10 questions to helen@claveringhouse.co.uk

  1. Your Name / Company Name?

  2. Your Website?

  3. Contact Email address and phone number?

  4. Your Location?

  5. In one sentence what is your impression of Clavering House?

  6. Please list 2 or 3 links to examples of videos you've produced along the lines we've set out in our brief

  7. Based on the brief what will be the ballpark cost, and please state whether this includes VAT (we cannot shortlist any company that doesn't provide this information)?

  8. What is your usual lead-time for producing this type of video?

  9. In a couple of sentences maximum, what would be your usual process for producing the video?

  10. In one sentence, why should we choose you?

We'll look forward to hearing from you by 4 pm on 7th February

Thank you!

Helen Reed, Managing Director