Fibreoptics company DM Optics has become the first tenant to take up residence at The Hive, North Somerset’s landmark new workspace and business development centre.
Whilst The Hive, which is owned and managed by North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA) will celebrate its official opening on July 8, the building is ready for occupancy and DM Optics has taken space on the top floor, with a view over the Helicopter Museum.
The company, which was founded by David Madsen in January 2002, specialises in optical fibre test equipment, accessories and supplies, providing the latest photonics (the use of light in information transmission) test and installation equipment to the telecoms sector and high-end resources and equipment to cutting edge production and research companies.
David, whose background is in radio frequency and optical engineering and whom, prior to launching DM Optics, was European Sales Manager for a Canadian-based fibre optics specialist, has moved from his previous offices in Lympsham with a strategy to grow the business.
“I made the decision several years ago that now would be the time to develop and expand DM Optics and I had been looking at other office premises, but when I saw the plans for The Hive I knew this would be the ideal base from which to grow.” explains David. “The close motorway links, rail network and airport are perfect for easy access to my clients based across the United Kingdom.
“I was also able to select an office, from a wide choice available, that would work well for us, can accommodate several members of staff whom we plan will join us this year and which we can expand with the company. The meeting and conference/training rooms on site and the opportunity to meet and network with other businesses is a bonus and receiving one invoice each month with all services included makes financial control easy.
“Together with North Somerset Enterprise Agency – a long-established not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping businesses grow and prosper – being our landlord, we have a base which I believe is second to none. We are proud to be the first business to have moved into The Hive – and look forward to perhaps being the first to expand here also!”.
Rob Hicks, Business Development Co-ordinator for The Hive says: “We were thrilled when David chose The Hive as the location for his business and its growth simply from our plans and delighted that he signed as our first tenant. Already DM Optics has been joined by Abersea Engineering, Joyce Oliver Wealth Management and Green Frog Connect and we are in talks with a whole range of other businesses and organisations from North Somerset and beyond who are looking at being based here.
“Alongside the wealth of interest in and bookings received for our meeting and conference rooms we can safely say that The Hive is already enjoying a warm welcome from North Somerset’s business community!”.
The Hive’s aim is to support the launch, development and success of start-up and growing local businesses by delivering on-site business support alongside a range of resources and services and some 20,000 sq. ft of rentable managed office space and communal facilities.
It will provide 40-60 tenants with unfurnished offices, easy-in and easy-out terms, dedicated and secure broadband and a managed business reception, plus virtual office services, hot desks and meeting rooms for the use of non-tenants.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), which launched in 1987 to support start-up and growing businesses across North Somerset with free or low-cost advice, support, information and training will own, manage and be based at The Hive which is located in the Business Quarter of Weston Park, in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area of Weston-super-Mare and on the site of the former airfield. The new development has been enabled by an investment from the European Regional Development Fund, alongside funding from NSEA.
The Hive will be a hub where local businesses can work, meet, network, share experiences and collaborate and where business events, training and workshops will take place.