Rural Enterprise Centre crucial to creating jobs and wealth in Leominster

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 andAnne from Dave Lindsley Vintage Auto Electricians, who are bringing new jobs and wealth to Leominster.”
 

To find out more about the Rural Enterprise Centre, please contact Chrissie Broadhurst on 01432 373600 or email chrissiebroadhurst@evanseasyspace.com