Flagship Business Centre Exceeding Expectations

A ground breaking business incubation centre set up by Northumberland County and Berwick Borough Councils to support trade and drive economic growth in the Berwick area is exceeding expectations.

The Berwick WorkSpace business centre already has six occupied offices with a further four set to be filled by the end of the month.

The building, which helps aspirational high-growth service businesses progress, is attracting interest as far afield as Europe and the south of England with businesses moving into the centre from outside the region.

WorkSpace manager Andrew Martin said: “We are really pleased with the uptake at the centre and with 29 percent occupancy in the first quarter and ongoing strong enquiries for units we have already exceeded our expectations for the centre, which is fast becoming an integral and interactive part of the business community here at Berwick.”

Andrew said: “The centre’s purpose is three-fold – to generate wealth for the local economy, for business development and growth for small to medium sized companies. So far we are managing to achieve in all three areas. Thirty people are working out of the centre, seven of which are newly created posts which is great news for the Berwick area.”

The incubation centre has 35 state-of-the-art units with flexible, low-cost rentals, one-month notices to move in or move out, first-rate meeting facilities and a fully equipped 50-seat conference room.

Purpose built as a facility to help small to medium sized businesses develop further, the centre also offers a unique support service for occupants.

“The centre works like a greenhouse,” said Andrew. “We work with fledgling businesses, put them into position and look after them as much or as little as they need until they reach the stage when they are ready to plant out and stand on their own feet.”

“The very layout of the building with its shared facilities and amenities encourages networking, intertrading and interaction between like-minded occupants and we are producing a culture of self development and growth,” said Andrew.

Centrally based in Berwick upon Tweed, the WorkSpace is fast becoming a business hub for the area.

“We are building up a bank of business contacts from local accountants to stationery suppliers,” said Andrew. “The building’s meeting facilities have been very well received in the area with usage 40 per cent up on what we had predicted. We have a really diverse range of businesses using the facilities from home-based operators using the WorkSpace for meetings and interview purposes to others who hold their monthly board meetings here.

The WorkSpace, which is managed by TEDCO, has been funded by Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council, Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Strategic Partnership, One North East and the European Regional Development Fund.

Businesses wanting to find out more about Berwick WorkSpace can contact Andrew Martin on 01289 301 120.

Photograph: Berwick WorkSpace Centre Manager, Andrew Martin with Customer Service Adviser, Gemma Law