Rural Enterprise Centre set to transform Leominster’s fortunes

The future prosperity of Leominster will be driven by growing companies expanding and creating jobs for local people, the town’s MP has said.

To help the process Bill Wiggin has called for more local entrepreneurs and fledgling businesses to use the town’s new Rural Enterprise Centre.

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.

Speaking at a special business support event organised by the Rural Regeneration Zone (RRZ) and Evans Easyspace, Mr Wiggin said: “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.

“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. As an incentive to new businesses, these are available on 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.

Mr Lindsley, who has taken a 1,000 sq ft workshop at the front of the Enterprise Centre, said: “This gives us ample capacity to continue to serve customers looking for repairs to vintage magnetos, dynamos and regulators.

“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.”

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.