The office space on the second floor of the HQ building has been fully refurbished and has views across the historic city of Chester and Chester racecourse.

The space houses all departments together on the same floor, allowing staff to collaborate more effectively.

The company has also announced it will be recruiting to expand the team in the coming months.

The new office and increased staff numbers is set to enable White Oak to strengthen ties with the community, focusing particularly on those who have struggled as a result of the pandemic.

In addition to the move, the lender will be enhancing its local community partnerships by collaborating with University of Chester on a student programme, as well as teaming up with Aid to the Homeless, and continuing its partnership with Chester Racecourse.

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James Felton, chief operating officer at White Oak Europe, said: “The new office move to HQ is a major statement of intent for White Oak’s continued growth and evolution. 

“The relocation to Chester reaffirms our commitment to the North West as our home where we can continue to support our customers in the region and across the UK. 

“The move brings all our colleagues together helping to foster stronger working relationships and to deliver a highly interconnected and efficient service for our customers. 

“[It] also celebrates the recent successes of White Oak in doubling its lending to UK SMEs since the start of 2020 and looks to the future with space to accommodate a significant hiring initiative which will see up to 40 new staff join the business in the coming months.”

Councillor Richard Beacham, cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration at Cheshire West and Chester Council, added: “This announcement that White Oak is relocating here is great news for our city, and we hope that other businesses in the city will feel the benefit of having another large employer in the town centre.

“This move has been aided by our business growth team, so other businesses looking for support with relocation or staffing, for example, can contact them for advice too.”

Will Sadler, director at Legat Owen, the retained agent for HQ, commented: “HQ provided White Oak with the opportunity to have all of its team together in one space and be in the heart of Chester.

“It is encouraging to see businesses thriving and bringing a significant number of jobs to the city.”