Two new business-boosting Enterprise Centres have joined the Somerset network with the completion and handover of purpose-built units in Wells and Wiveliscombe thanks to Somerset County Council and partners.
The Wiveliscombe centre, located on the old Karro’s Food Group site at Sandy Moor Lane, offers 10 two-person offices and seven small light industrial units suitable for a solo or two-person business.
The centre in Cathedral Park, Wells, has 10 two-person offices and two four- person offices. It has a further five industrial units that would suit 1 to 2 people per unit.
Both centres have been co-funded by Growth Deal and European Regional Development Funding, as well as investment from Somerset County Council. They are fitted out with superfast broadband, bookable meeting rooms, kitchens and toilets, electric car charging points and bike sheds.
Kier Construction has led the build on both sites together with Grainge Architects and the County Council’s Property and Economy teams. The units will be managed by the Torbay Development Agency.
Councillor David Hall, Cabinet member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, said: “Now, more than ever, it’s vitally important that we do all we can to encourage businesses in Somerset and enable them to thrive and grow.
“These two new centres will provide opportunities for small businesses to set up and expand in largely rural areas. I am delighted we are at the point of delivery.”
Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We want small businesses in every region of the country to have the space and investment they need to grow and thrive.
“That’s why this Government invested over £1.2 million in the development of two new Enterprise Centres in Wells and Wiveliscombe and I’m delighted to see that these spaces are now completed and handed over, offering a vital boost to the local economy.”
Enterprise centres provide modern, accessible space for small and growing businesses – something that can be hard to find in rural areas. They provide easy in and easy out terms to make it as straightforward and low risk as possible for businesses to access and aim to encourage suitable businesses to take their next step.
The new centres will join the existing enterprise centre portfolio of sites in Dulverton (Barle); Frome (Keyford); Wheddon Cross (Market); Highbridge; Minehead and Williton.
Further information on all centres can be found on https://www.somerset-enterprise-centres.co.uk/