AN ambitious entrepreneur is building himself a career from his new business base in Darlington.

Simon Hawkins, 46, swapped his role helping others get their property developments off the ground, to being in the driving seat of his own start-up.

And now, just weeks after launching Wildon Estates, the qualified charted surveyor. has invested in the company’s first offices at Lingfield Point.

He said: “I’ve been working in the property industry since leaving university. I’d been working for my previous employer for more than ten years, so I guess it just felt like the right time to take a leap of faith.

“Darlington is a great business base and I came across Lingfield Point when looking for serviced offices in the area.

“It really stood out because of its accessible location and high spec office space. It has everything a start-up could need – including breakout and meeting areas, an on-site café bistro and a concierge service.

“Having worked in commercial property for so long, I guess I know a good space when I see one."

Eddie Humphries, estate manager at Lingfield Point said: “It’s always great to welcome a new customer to our growing business community and we’re delighted Simon has found the ideal space for his new start-up."