Social enterprise shines at launch
SOCIAL enterprise Shine has officially opened and has celebrated its launch by welcoming two new tenants.
Four hundred members of the Yorkshire business community attended the special event that marked the final completion of the Grade II listed building .
New tenants Leeds Ahead and equal rights training organisation Change join existing tenants which include the Asian Express newspaper and Learning Network.
Shine provides offices for established businesses, offering pay-as-go space and support for entrepreneurs, alongside conference facilities.
The 36,000 sq ft building has been developed over a three year period – with Camberwell, a company that drives regeneration through enterprise, behind a £4.5m transformation of the former Harehills Middle School.
Camberwell director Todd Hannula said: “Now completed, Shine is providing a vibrant new home for businesses and helping to develop and inspire entrepreneurs. It represents the best that all of us can be; it’s about raising aspirations, creating opportunities and building a top-class business place within a challenging neighbourhood. We want it to break down socio-economic barriers and create a culture of enterprise that spreads throughout the city and beyond.”
Alongside support for the city’s businesses and entrepreneurs, Shine offers a blank canvas for local artists with a number currently exhibiting their work at the site.
Shine is held on a 999 year lease by the Harehills Community Interest Company (CIC) and 81% of profits generated by the building will be returned to the local area.
