Business Centre @ The Deep is celebrating an incredible 25 years since the keys were collected for the site. To commemorate this significant anniversary, the Business Centre team hand-delivered a special cake and cupcakes around the offices, giving back to their supportive community.
As the sister site to Hull’s iconic aquarium The Deep, Business Centre clients are helping to support the aquarium’s mission as a conservation and education charity working to protect our ocean. Since opening 25 years ago, several resident clients remain based at the site, growing and expanding over time thanks to the continued assistance of the dedicated Business Centre team.
Andy Metcalf, Product Manager at Wipro, and one of the Business Centre’s longest resident clients, said: “As the longest‑serving tenant I’ve had the privilege of seeing The Deep Business Centre grow from the day it opened into the thriving varied employment hub it is today.
“Freya and her friendly team have supported me throughout that entire journey with stability, community, and countless fond memories which have made it easy to stay rooted for these 25 years.
“I’ve watched the Centre grow and evolve alongside my own career and I hope this will continue for many more years to come!”
Paul Wilkinson, Chief Executive at No Way Trust, and another of the Business Centre’s longest resident clients, said: “It has been The No Way Trusts privilege www.pmnw.co.uk to have been a Deep Business Centre tenant for 24 years. In that time, the prestigious location of the offices has been pivotal in enhancing our profile and expanding our children and young people operations both locally and across the country.”
“Now in our 33rd year as a charity, we are confident that the immense success of our charitable services could not have been furthered better, anywhere else.
“Huge congratulations to the Deep Business Centre for 25 years of providing outstanding business services to Hull, we are genuinely pleased to have a been a contributor to your richly deserved success and longevity.”
Though the Business Centre did not officially open its doors to clients until 2001, it launched as a start-up in 2000. Prior to opening, The Deep’s Head of Business & Corporate was involved in operating from an office on Ferensway, overseeing the installation of state-of-the-art communications facilities and contacting prospective tenants.
Reflecting on the past 25 years, Freya Cross, Head of Business & Corporate, said: “We are so proud to be celebrating this incredible milestone with our thriving business community.
“It is a special feeling to be sharing this significant occasion with so many amazing organisations, both small and large, resident and virtual, and to say a huge thank you for all of their support over the past 25 years.”
Since 2001, Business Centre @ The Deep has supported 124 business start-ups and has been the location of choice for 108 new regional, national and international offices in the city. In total, the centre has supported the growth of 319 companies since opening 25 years ago.
Gemma Wardell, Founder of Human Brilliance, said: “I worked at The Deep when it first opened in 2002, so returning years later to base my own growing business here feels incredibly special.
“The Business Centre @ The Deep has played a vital role in supporting the launch and growth of Human Brilliance, offering not just a workspace but genuine encouragement, connection and belief.
“I would wholeheartedly recommend the Business Centre @ The Deep as a base for any business looking to grow in a supportive environment.”
6 new organisations were welcomed to the Business Centre’s evolving community in 2025, including resident and virtual clients, as well as local, national and international businesses. In addition, 488 individual bookings were made in 2025 for over 2,545 hours of meetings, interviews, training days and conferences.
Paula Wood, Founder of Exam Officers & Data Solutions, added: “Happy 25th anniversary to everyone involved with Business Centre @ The Deep. It has been two years since we moved here, and it has been a fin- tastic space for our company to continue to grow. The flexible and adaptable rooms, free parking and the unique setting beside The Deep and the Humber make it a pleasure to based here.”
We can offer clients breakfast next to the penguins..where else would you experience that! Wishing everyone many years to come.”