Atom Bank has officially opened its new Newcastle headquarters after welcoming Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby KC MP to the city last week to mark the move into its new base, The Pattern Shop.
The minister was joined by Newcastle City Council leader Cllr Karen Kilgour, with the visit also recognising the regeneration of the historic building.
Rigby addressed a company-wide meeting during the visit and unveiled a commemorative plaque, with the business saying the relocation underlines its commitment to the region and will bring nearly 600 jobs to Newcastle.
As part of a tour, the Economic Secretary met new starters as well as Atom apprentices and graduates to discuss digital skills, and saw demonstrations of the bank’s lending processes and how it supports vulnerable customers.
She also took part in a discussion with 12 female founders from across the North East to hear about their experiences, alongside local business leader and Mayor’s business board member Sophie Milliken MBE.
The move to The Pattern Shop is a multi-million-pound relocation from Durham, which Atom said supports its rapid growth, hybrid working approach and ambition to operate as a hub for innovation.
The bank also highlighted its broader regional support through its Early Careers Programme, including the Atom Futures Fund for students from low-income or care backgrounds, two AMI Women in Technology Scholarships with Durham University, the EY Smart Futures programme and its graduate scheme.
“Atom Bank’s decision to expand in Newcastle and bring nearly 600 high skill FinTech jobs with it is another clear vote of confidence in the UK’s world leading FinTech sector,” said Rigby.
“This investment will support long term careers in cutting edge high skill jobs, help power local growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”
Atom chief executive, Mark Mullen, added: “We are incredibly proud to welcome the Economic Secretary to The Pattern Shop.
“This building has a legacy of innovation dating back to Robert Stephenson’s pioneering work, and now we are writing the next chapter.
“Our new office represents not only a commitment to the North East, but a commitment to our people – providing a modern, flexible and collaborative working environment that allows us to build a bank that will be here for another hundred years and beyond.”
Atom launched in April 2016 as an app-based bank and provides mortgages, savings products and secured business lending for SMEs.
The bank is based in the North East and has nearly 600 staff, and says it focuses on simplifying borrowing and saving while offering customer support across phone, chat, email and social channels.
The company also noted that it introduced a four-day working week for all employees in November 2021 with no reduction in salary.