THE first of a number of new pilot 'enterprise hubs' being made possible by the North East Rural Growth Network has landed a £31,000 grant.
The Alnwick Enterprise Hub will see the creation of 12 small units on the Cawledge Business Park near the town following confirmation of the grant by the network’s steering group.
The office units will allow dynamic start up and very small businesses to move into a high- quality environment on flexible licence arrangements with access to a set of common support services.
The units were developed by Hotspur Land Limited, a subsidiary company of Northumberland Estates.
Barry Spall, development planner at Northumberland Estates, says: “We are delighted that the North East Rural Growth Network Programme has been able to support this pilot initiative. Our research has shown there to be a lack of small, high quality and flexible office space in Alnwick of the sort needed by start-up businesses, and this flexible arrangement will be the first of its type for the town.
“This investment will complement the wider strategy for Cawledge Business Park, which has seen the opening of a new hotel and restaurant in 2012.”
The North East Rural Growth Network funding was secured by the North East Farming and Rural Advisory Network (NEFRAN) on behalf of the North East Enterprise Partnership (NELEP)
Fiona Cruickshank, rural representative for the NELEP Board says: “Providing opportunities for small rural business to network with each other and have access to common facilities and also move-on accommodation for when they are ready to grow are all attractive ingredients of the Alnwick Enterprise hub project.”
The new units will be available in 2013 and any small new or existing businesses can apply. For information contact Angus Todd at Northumberland Estates on 01665 510777.
