New enterprise centre just months away from opening in Raunds

It is hoped the Enterprise Centre, East Northants, will provide high-quality business accommodation and support to small and micro enterprises.

With 69 rooms of various sizes and 14 workshop spaces available, there is flexibility for a range of companies to move in and grow their business.

It’s anticipated that the centre just off the A45 at Warth Park will support 205 businesses and create 785 jobs in the first 10 years.

As well as creating jobs in the future, between 50 and 55 people are working on the site each day with many coming from county companies.

While construction is under way with completion of the external fascia of the building, the centre has already received interest from more than 30 businesses, including one from France.

East Northamptonshire Council (ENC), South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) and ASHE construction are working in partnership to deliver the centre, which will provide small and micro enterprises with a space for their business to start and grow.

Businesses will be offered support from various organisations including Enterprising East Northants, the council’s economic development arm, and the SEMLEP Growth Hub.

Tenants will also be able to network with their neighbouring businesses through various events and the provision of several informal meeting and collaboration spaces within the centre.

Cllr Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are just a few months away from opening our flagship project - Enterprise Centre, East Northants and we are pleased that we have already received interest from more than 30 businesses.

“We will soon celebrate having an operator on board who will work with us to drive this project forward ready for its official opening this Spring.”

It is hoped the centre can be a starting point for a diverse range of businesses, especially with its prime location offering links to both the A45 and A14 and being in an area which has seen huge development in recent years such as Rushden Lakes.

Cllr North added: "We don't want to be known as a logistics area, there's so much more to Northamptonshire than logistics."

ENC, which is delivering the £8 million project, received £1.69 million funding from SEMLEP’s Local Growth Fund towards the project and is working with industry specialists ASHE construction and Total Project Integration to deliver the centre as part of Enterprising East Northants, the council’s plan for economic growth and prosperity.

It is hoped that the first businesses will be able to move in by the end of May.

To register your interest or for more information call 0808 1787 060 or go to www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/ecen