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MEA House builds on 40 years of success with new appointments
One of Newcastle’s most iconic office developments has appointed two new members of staff as the building celebrates its 40th anniversary.
MEA House, which provides affordable space for charities and not for profit organisations, has chosen two new starters to assist in running and maintaining the five-storey building, which is based at Ellison Place in Newcastle city centre.
The development opened in the early 1970s to provide high quality, fully accessible office accommodation at competitive rents below market rate, exclusively for charitable organisations.
David Woolley, from Gateshead, has been appointed as a facility supervisor at MEA House. He is the first point of call on reception, answers phone queries, and meets and greets visitors to the building.
Originally from mid-Wales, David has a background in the third sector, having worked in charity roles in London and Manchester before moving to the North East with his wife 23 years ago. Prior to joining MEA House, David worked as a tutor in Northumberland College, Newcastle College and North Tyneside College.
David said: “I had first heard of MEA House about six years ago, as the MEA Trust has an impressive reputation in the charity sector, so I knew of the support they provide in the North East. There’s a brilliant atmosphere here, and I enjoy the sociable nature of the position, as well as the variety of tasks involved. No two days are the same.”
David shares his role with facility supervisor Susan Madden, the longest-serving member of staff, who has worked in the building for more than 17 years.
He added: “Every member of the team here has made me feel very welcome, and it’s great to be working closely with Susan, who knows everything there is to know about the building.”
Susan said: “I began working here as a cleaner and really enjoyed the work environment and the friendliness of the people. It’s a special place to work and I’ve been fortunate to experience a variety of roles during my time here, so I’ve learned a lot about how the building functions on a day to day basis. My older sister Margaret also works here as a cleaner, after I suggested she applied for a job too, so it’s become a bit of a family affair.
“I can’t believe that I’m now the longest serving member of staff at MEA House, but it’s great to be able to pass on knowledge and advice to David as he learns the ropes as one of the newest members of the team.”
The second new starter is Stephen Williams, from Byker, who has been appointed as a cleaner, and is responsible for cleaning MEA House’s six committee rooms and three floors of communal areas. Prior to coming to Newcastle, Stephen, originally from Liverpool, served in the armed forces for eight years.
Stephen said: “I was looking for a job which involved working in a team, meeting new people, and helping towards a great cause. When I came across the MEA House website it looked like the ideal opportunity to work in a city centre location and support the wide range of charities and not for profit organisations based here.”
MEA Trust chairman Colin Seccombe said: “We’re very pleased to welcome David and Stephen as our newest members of staff at MEA House. They’ve joined us at a very significant stage in our history, and we’re sure they’ll be assets to the team.”
The building, which is owned by registered charity MEA Trust, provides over 26,000 square feet of office space, and includes a suite of meeting rooms on the top floor, offering panoramic views across the city. Fifty thousand people pass through its doors every year and it houses more than 16 organisations including CISV International, British Association for Adoption and Fostering, Action for Children and Newcastle Society for Blind People.
In response to demand, MEA House has extended its criteria to enable selected local community interest companies, industrial and provident societies and other forms of social enterprise to rent space there.
For more information about MEA House, or about becoming a trustee, contact Ann Wynn, MEA Trust director and secretary on 0191 232 7783 or email [email protected]
