Pictured above: Boosting rural enterprise: (l-r) Tom Stokes
(Evans Easyspace), Bill Wiggin MP, Richard Heathcote (Bulmers) and
Peter Pawsey (Rural Regeneration Zone)
The importance of the Rural Enterprise Centre to Leominster's
economy was underlined last week when Bill Wiggin called for more
local entrepreneurs and young businesses to make the most of the
specialist facility.
Speaking at a special business support event organised by the
Rural Regeneration Zone (RRZ) and Evans Easyspace, the local MP
predicted that the future prosperity of the area will be driven by
growing companies expanding and creating jobs for local people.
Twelve firms have already moved into the £1.5m centre
after taking advantage of the flexible terms on offer, the
state-of-the-art technology and a cost effective licence that cuts
out all legal fees and expensive rental periods.
"Leominster has always displayed great enterprising tradition
and this is something we must continue and to do this we need to
create an environment which supports our future businesses,"
explained Bill, who presented in front of delegates from the
private and public sector.
"The Rural Enterprise Centre is a tremendous addition to the
area and provides much needed space for start-ups and young
businesses looking to have their first premises or move from
home-based offices."
He continued: "Demand for the product has been impressive and is
reflected in recent market statistics that show significant yearly
increases in enquiries and reports of rising profits by more than
25% of SMEs using this type of accommodation."
The Enterprise Centre, which is based just off the A49, offers a
mix of 22 offices and workshops all equipped with the latest
telecommunication facilities and available on 'easy in, easy terms'
of just two months.
The latest company to join the growing number of tenants is Dave
Lindsley Vintage Auto Electricians, which is in the process of
relocating from its home-based workshop on the outskirts of
Manchester.
Driven by a desire to improve their quality of life, the husband
and wife team of Dave Lindsley and Anne Haydock identified moving
to South Shropshire but needed to ensure they could find suitable
accommodation for their thriving auto electrical repair business
for vintage cars and motorcycles.
Dave, who has repaired parts for pre-1900 models, Bugatis and
Aston Martins, picked up the story:
"We've taken a 1,000 sq ft workshop at the front of the
Enterprise Centre and this gives us ample capacity to continue
to serve our army of customers looking for repairs to vintage
magnetos, dynamos and regulators."
He continued: "The transport links are excellent and we are
increasingly promoting our business through the web and taking
orders via email so fast broadband is essential.
"Our new home gives us all of this and, in addition, I'm sure
we'll benefit from being part of a thriving facility full of new
businesses that could lead to new clients and referrals.
"It's quite fitting that our 35th year in business will see us
start a new life in Leominster and I'm looking to maintain our
£150,000 turnover that will mean the possibility of two new
jobs being created."
The Enterprise Centre Network, which is a £16.5m joint
investment by Rural Regeneration Zone and Evans Easyspace, boasts
two hubs at Hereford and Shrewsbury and two spokes at Leominster
and Ludlow.
There are future plans in place to develop further facilities
across Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Peter Pawsey, Chair of the RRZ, concluded: "We were delighted to
showcase the centre to Bill Wiggin and to meet Dave and Anne from
Dave Lindsley Vintage Auto Electricians, who are bringing new jobs
and wealth to Leominster."