Staffordshire business centre marks first decade

A BUSINESS centre which provides start-up units and support facilities for small firms in Staffordshire has celebrated a decade of operation.
 
Silverdale Enterprise Centre in Newcastle is home to 12 small businesses which range from environmental consultants to fitters and designers of retail premises.
 
One of 13 county council enterprise centres, Silverdale was purpose-built in 2005 to provide office and workshop accommodation. The building is on the site of the former Silverdale Colliery, which closed in 1998. All units are available on flexible monthly rental arrangements – a real draw for small companies. Like all of the Staffordshire enterprise centres, Silverdale also offers meeting and conference room facilities, free parking and on-site centre management.
 
One company located at the centre is Marline Designs, which designs and fits out shop interiors. The business has expanded into its second workshop unit due to ongoing growth and national customer base. Owner David McCarthy said Silverdale’s location and facilities are ideal for his business.
 
He added: “Silverdale is in a great location and has ample parking which is good for delivery vehicles. We have taken on another workshop unit as the business has grown and I would definitely recommend an enterprise centre to other businesses. “The management team offers business support and other opportunities and the centres are good for networking. The centre does have a community feel, with other like-minded businesses ready to help each other out.”
 
Staffordshire County Council’s economy leader Mark Winnington said: “Our enterprise centres form an important part of our package of business support, housing hundreds of small companies across the county. Small businesses and start-ups find the flexible tenancy agreements highly attractive. The fact that there are on site centre managers, facilities such as conference rooms and parking and the offer of business support and networking are all bonuses. Small businesses are vital to our continued economic growth and we are pleased to see our enterprise centres thriving and making an impact.”