Two business partners behind a fast-growing recruitment firm have moved into commercial property.

David Blake and Tom Wolsey founded Climate17 in 2018.

The company offers search and selection, as well as other services, for the clean energy and environmental markets.

Climate17 employs 11 people and has seen its seven-figure turnover double year on year.

The duo, both aged 35, have now launched ClimateSpace Ltd, a developer and operator of small, professional commercial office spaces with a sustainability theme.

The aim is to make a minimal to zero carbon impact.

Features include the latest energy-saving measures for heat and light.

ClimateSpace has just renovated its first site of seven units after acquiring the former Barclays Bank building in Wallisdown.

It hopes to develop more sites in 2021.

The premises, in Bank Parade, Bryant Road, have been empty since Barclays shut the branch in February 2015.

They were acquired by ClimateSpace for £400,000 with renovation work – costing a further £96,000 – starting in June.

The refurbishment was completed last month with the first tenant, a print company, moving in within days.

Tom said: “The building had to be seen to be believed.

“It was in a dreadful state after five years.

“It’s been a tough time to do something like this but we’re really pleased with the end result.”

Four of the offices can each seat between three and five people.

The monthly cost is £550.

The remaining three offices can each take six to eight people and cost £750 per month.

The all-inclusive cost includes:

• Use of office space for place of business with 24 hour access
• Central remote door access system with keycode access
• CCTV
• Full use of kitchens, toilets and communal areas
• Free to use boardroom (subject to booking)
• Free on site wifi
• All utilities (electric, water, waste, rates)
• Allocated lockers for staff belongings

Two of the offices have now been taken, with two large and three small units remaining.

David said: “The key is flexibility.

“We think the offices will be of particular appeal to anyone looking to step up from working from home but looking for a very reasonable all-in price.

“Also, companies looking to downsize but still wanting an office based on a smaller number of people actually using it.

“If we prove the concept with this building then we’ll replicate it to other sites.”

David founded Climate17 with Tom after spending 12 years at recruitment firm Allen & York.

He joined as a consultant in 2006 and quickly rose up the ladder, becoming Managing Director nine years later at the age of 29.

But David, who specialised in planning, development and environment recruitment, said he always had ambitions to launch his own company.

“I was the kid with ten paper rounds. I had the bug to do my own thing from an early age,” he said.

Tom spent nearly eight years at Allen & York, including as renewable energy Team Leader and, latterly Business Development Manager.

Climate17 is based in Westbourne but has clients in the UK and overseas.

David said: “We’re a very values-driven business.

“Our name relates to climate change mitigation and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) issued by the UN.

“Climate change is an issue affecting every country on every continent, disrupting economies, communities and people greatly.

“Climate17’s services support organisations working toward delivering these goals for the benefit of our global economy.

“We are a transparent, clear and honest business.

“We want to impact our stakeholders and the planet in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

“Climate17 has partnered with ClimateCare to offset our carbon emissions with projects that cut carbon and improve lives.

“The UN’s SDG are important to any business, whatever the size.

“We’re pleased to be playing our part through Climate17 and now ClimateSpace.”

• www.climatespace.co.uk