A COMMERCIAL consultant who has spent decades living and working overseas has followed his heart back to his hometown to make a base for his new company.

Garry Reeves grew up in Darlington, but his work saw him travelling to various destinations across the world alongside his wife, Gill.

The Reeves family spent 25 years globetrotting before realising their hometown was able to offer the perfect opportunity to launch a new business at Business Central, Darlington.

Mr Reeves said: "The beauty of having so many international clients is I don’t need to be based in any single location. This way of working gave us the freedom to choose anywhere in the world to set up our business – and we decided to come home to Darlington.

“We’ve been away a long time, living and working in the likes of Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore and Norway, but feel this is where we belong. It’s really good to be back.”

Reeves Commercial Limited currently employs three people at Business Central and has a network of overseas assignees. The business specialises in providing commercial advice to the energy industry.

Mr Reeves said that finding the right office accommodation was critical to making the move a success, particularly with his knowledge of business and facilities abroad. However, the Darlington family agreed the venture would be best placed in the North-East.

He added: “Having 24-hour access to your office is essential when you’re working with clients in different time zones so Business Central’s flexibility was a major attraction.

“The serviced and secure facilities also mean we can work abroad with complete peace of mind. I can just up and leave to work with a client overseas, knowing that the office is being taken care of day and night.

“The pleasant surroundings and friendly faces of the centre staff and neighbouring businesses make for a welcome return when we do come back from travelling.”

Business Central, off Yarm Road, offers 60 offices to rent, as well as virtual office services for companies that do not require dedicated space but need a professional address.

Tenants also have access to a business support adviser, regular networking and social events as well as a gym and micro spa.

Vanessa Wood, centre manager at Business Central, said: “It’s great to be able to welcome Garry and Reeves Commercial back to Darlington and for yet another great business to call Business Central home.”

The centre is managed by the North East Business and Innovation Centre and lies within the Central Park Tees Valley Enterprise Zone.