MORE than 300 people gathered to mark the official opening of global insurer Hiscox's new £19 million offices in York.

Last night's opening event came three years after the firm announced it was moving to York, creating 500 jobs in the city.

Around 230 staff moved into the new Hungate office on Monday, following 485 days of construction, which included 750 tonnes of steel, and 775m2 of glass, and eight million nails.

Alan Millard, chief operating officer at Hiscox UK, said: "Our York office has been a long time in the making and the finished product has exceeded all our expectations.

"The building is representative of York and us as a business. The staircase is representative of York's iconic city walls, while the weave effect brick work on the exterior of the building is a nod to the heritage of this site, which was once a market for leathers and wool.

"The exposed concrete inside the building represents our values. Authenticity is massively important, and the concrete is there for all to see, its not covered up, sometimes it's beautiful and flowing and other times it's a bit rough. It reflects the reality of business."

To coincide with the opening of its offices, Hiscox has this week launched its Business Club, opening up unused space in the office to small local businesses looking for a home.

Hiscox Business Club is open to local entrepreneurs and business owners with up to four employees, giving them an opportunity to work from the new Hungate offices.

They can also benefit from PR and marketing exposure via Hiscox and its partners, as well as opportunities to collaborate with Hiscox, network at exclusive Hiscox Business Club events, access business support services from Make It York and attend a range of other invite-only events in the city such as York St John University’s Business Masterclasses.

Mr Millard said: "SMEs are an important part of our business and Hiscox Business Club enables us to practically support some of this city’s inspiring entrepreneurs.

"We look forward to experiencing the buzz they will inevitably bring to our fantastic new office.”

Hiscox Business Club is the result of collaboration between Make It York and York St John University.

Steve Brown, managing director at Make It York, added: "The Hiscox Business Club is a great addition to the city. We are delighted to be working with Hiscox to provide more of the city’s start-ups and entrepreneurs with access to the facilities and support they need to help them grow."

Interested businesses can apply online at www.hiscox.co.uk/businessclub from now until January 15, 2016. Successful candidates will be notified by mid-February and the Business Club will open in March 2016