THE managing director of a major recruitment company which has completed its move to Blackburn has spoken of her and its staff’s delight with the town.

The Cummins Mellor Group announced its move from Milnshaw House in Accrington to the top floor of the new office block in the £34 million Cathedral Quarter in August.

Now all of its 40 staff are in place, managing director Michelle Mellor has spoken of her satisfaction with their new headquarters and explained why she chose to relocate to Blackburn after 21 years in the old office.

The move by the firm, including making space for three new recruits, means One Cathedral Square block now has tenants on all five floors with Northern Rail to compete its own move of 100 staff for a train crew depot next month.

Mrs Mellor said: “Our incredible workforce means everything to us, so we have put them in a setting to be proud of.”

“The regeneration around the Cathedral Quarter, the business and retail outlets, the infrastructure and transport improvements are a welcomed playground to our younger employees who have been invigorated by relocation here.

“There are places to shop, eat, meet friends and marvellous leisure facilities.”

Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss Phil Riley said: "We were delighted when a company like Cummins Mellor decided to move into One Cathedral Square.

“The firm is a great addition to the town centre.

“I am very pleased that they are enjoying Blackburn and their new home so much.”

Mrs Mellor said: “I only get one question since arriving and that is ‘why Blackburn?’.

“I fondly recall my very first trip to Blackburn in 1987, an energetic northern town.

“It had a bustling market, with many flagship high street retailers and even a trendy nightclub.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that in 2017, I’d be at the helm of a thriving business with a 40-strong workforce located in an award-winning office space overlooking the town’s iconic cathedral with views that stretch over the Pennines and beyond.

“There’s no doubt Blackburn lost some of its mojo as two recessions hit.

“But with every downward turn comes great opportunity and regeneration. Blackburn has done just that.

“We are keen to be a big part of that.

“Blackburn’s northern grit, work ethic, appreciation for its heritage and its people make it an exciting time to be part of it all.”Last month the A Mano Italian restaurant opened on the ground floor of the block opposite Turtle Bay and near the Premier In’s ‘Thyme’ restaurant and Cafe Northcote.

Capita is on the first floor of the block, Govnet on the second and Organic Insurance on the third.