A RECRUITMENT agency, the UK’s top specialist for placing chefs in jobs, is to move into Blackburn’s Cathedral Square office block.

The Cummins Mellor Group will move 40 staff from its existing Milnshaw House headquarters in Accrington.

The firm, currently recruiting three staff of its own, is taking the entire top floor of One Cathedral Square, offering it the space to double the workforce.

The relocation was announced yesterday after Cummins Mellor completed the sale of the Whalley Road premises they have occupied for 21 years.

The news means there are now tenants on all five floors of the block, opened by former MP Jack Straw in November 2015.

The Blackburn Youth Zone chairman said: “It’s great to welcome Cummins Mellor to One Cathedral Square.

“It’s a testament to the development of the town that Cummins Mellor want to continue their growth with their 40-strong team operating their local and national businesses from the award-winning office space in Blackburn.”

Blackburn with Darwen council regeneration boss Phil Riley said: “We are delighted that Cummins Mellor are moving into the Cathedral Quarter bringing the sort of high-quality, high-skill, high-wage jobs the borough needs.”

Cummins Mellor Recruitment has three arms – an East Lancashire consultancy for temporary and permanent placements: CJUK, a national chef recruitment specialist; and Personnel Checks, a registered body for the disclosure and barring service.

Michelle Mellor, managing director, said: “Making the decision to leave certainly wasn’t an easy one, however we need more space.

“When looking for new premises, we were immediately impressed by the award-winning development in Cathedral Quarter and are extremely excited to start a new chapter.”

Hyndburn Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “We are obviously sad to lose Cummins Mellor from the borough but wish them well in their new accommodation.

“The company will still be able serve Hyndburn people and I am pleased it has found a new occupant for Milnshaw House.”

Last month it was revealed that Northern Rail will take the fourth floor of the block from a 100 staff train crew depot and that a £250,000 high quality Italian restaurant for 140 diners ‘AMano’ will open in the 3,500 square foot unit on the ground floor.

They join Starbucks which is taking the smaller catering unit next door opposite the railway station, Capita on the first floor, Govent on the second and Organic Insurance on the third.