The new Corby Enterprise Centre (CEC) was officially opened on Friday 24thJune 2011. Partners involved in the project and local entrepreneurs and businesses gathered at the CEC to see the Mayor of Corby, Gail McDade and Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton cut the ribbon to declare the Centre officially open.
The event was supported by Northamptonshire’s Ambassadors who held their regular briefing at the Centre to understand the vital role that enterprise and innovation centres play in accelerating the development of entrepreneurial companies, and how Northamptonshire is working to create the right conditions for new enterprise and economic growth. The Ambassadors listened to case studies from two exemplar local entrepreneurs; Ben Thomas of BMT Sales & Marketing, and Steve Cousins of Axon Automotive; and their journey from an Innovation Centre to the current day.
The ribbon cutting was followed by two free training sessions for entrepreneurs and businesses; a Marketing workshop from Wots the Big Idea, a tenant at the Centre, and a Leadership Development workshop presented by Sally Berman of Idyia Coaching & Development. Businesses were then given tours of the Centre’s fantastic facilities.
The new, purpose built Enterprise Centre has been designed to provide ideal accommodation for entrepreneurs and start-ups to realise their business ambitions as well as giving existing businesses access to flexible office and workshop space to allow them to grow. With different sized offices and studios suitable for between 2 and 25 people, the Enterprise Centre is destined to be a lively new focus for business activity in the area. In addition to 24/7 access, free car parking and high speed communications, the Enterprise Centre will provide tenants with unique on-site support including access to a network of business development experts from a wide range of industries. As well as high class business accommodation the centre boasts top quality meeting and training space for up to 40 people which is available for hire to all businesses around the region.
The CEC received over £1.1m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which aims to stimulate enterprise and support the growth of successful businesses. The remainder of the £8.3m was funded by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) £6.5m, Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership (NEP) and Northamptonshire County Council £1m and Corby Borough Council £700k. Having secured funding and a site, North Northants Development Company (NNDC) worked with funding partners and the developers Bela Partnership to deliver this scheme which aims to create around 170 jobs.
Nick Bolton, Director of Investment & Marketing, NNDC said:
“CEC is supporting the growth of local companies and bringing benefits to people living and working in and around Corby. We are proud to have worked with our partners over the past 4 years to help deliver this important project.”
Stuart Hartley, Centre Manager, Corby Enterprise Centre said:
“The Centre provides unique space in the area and provides high class space for new and established businesses alike to further develop. The Centre is a standout addition to Corby’s business community and one in which we are all very proud to be part of.”
Pat Fawcett, Leader, Corby Borough Council said:
“Over 4 years ago we had a vision in Corby to develop a centre that could build and nurture local enterprises and small businesses. We are very proud that this is now a reality and we are celebrating the Corby Enterprise Centre's official opening. This building provides local businesses with the modern facilities and support they need to thrive, bringing more quality jobs to the Borough. We look forward to seeing businesses develop and wish them a long and successful future in Corby.”
Sajeeda Rose, Director of Economic Development at Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership said:
“Supporting businesses to start and grow is key to developing the county’s economy. Corby Enterprise Centre is a fabulous building providing much needed high quality space for businesses contributing to the creation of high value jobs, and supporting the wider regeneration of Corby.”
For more information on the workshops and to book your place please call 01536 560560 or email enquiries@ceccorby.co.uk.
For further information on Corby Enterprise Centre, businesses should visit www.ceccorby.co.uk