North Somerset’s business development centre The Hive has reached its second birthday – at the same time as over three-quarters of its 20,000 sq. ft. of rentable managed office space is taken by tenants.
The centre, which supports the launch, development and success of start-up and growing local businesses, is also announcing a new office share scheme for smaller firms to “co-habit” and thus enjoy lower rental costs.
Four businesses, including business development company White Bruce, new human resources firm Simply HR Services, smarter managed print and IT specialists ITEC Connect and former virtual tenant Ideal Accountancy Services, have all taken space in the building since May.
Meanwhile several tenants, including one of The Hive’s first occupants Green Frog Connect which designs and builds high-voltage connections to the national electricity grid, communications specialist First Class Comms, electrical wholesalers Electrical Deals Direct and marketing experts Echo Engage, have all moved into larger office space within the building to accommodate the growth and expansion of their teams and businesses.
Based in the Business Quarter of Weston Park, in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area of Weston-super-Mare, The Hive, which is owned and managed by North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), officially launched on 8 July 2014 offering local businesses attractive, affordable office space on easy-in and easy-out terms.
They also enjoy dedicated and secure broadband and a managed business reception, as well as the experience of being part of a bustling, friendly, business community. On-site business advice and support is available from North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s experienced, knowledgeable and locally-based team of business advisors, whose services are also open to the wider community.
Since launching, The Hive – an environmentally sustainable and BREEAM Excellent building – has also become a business “hub” with its range of meeting and conference rooms heavily in demand, whilst a mixture of individuals and firms large and small regularly make use of its informal Express Business Lounge which can be hired by the hour, half day or day.
A number of virtual tenants are also based from the centre, several of whom have already progressed to full tenancy as a result of the success they have enjoyed.
Angela Hicks, CEO of NSEA says that The Hive has surpassed expectations.
“In the two years since opening we have been thrilled to see a wealth of diverse businesses start-out, flourish and grow within The Hive. In fact, our tenants are now responsible for providing some 112 jobs within the local area.
“Our aim is to be here to provide the facilities, advice, encouragement and support that firms need when they start-up and as they grow and we hope to deliver those services for many more years to come.
“We would like to thank all of our tenants and our business partners who have been behind us since The Hive launched for their tremendous support. We hope they are as proud as we are of the impact the centre has made on both the local business community and economy.”
Simon Bruce of new tenant White Bruce says that nowhere else approaches what The Hive has to offer. “We have state-of-the-art facilities, excellent car parking on site and flexibility in office space and terms. The ‘non-corporate’ feel of the centre together with a vibrant business atmosphere are bonuses – as is the ease of motorway access. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!”.