The Hive, officially open for business
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July 11, 2014
This new workspace and business development centre was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, July 8, in the presence of around 100 business and community leaders, as well as local entrepreneurs.
The formal opening of North Somerset’s new business centre was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by some of The Hive’s new tenants and Weston-super-Mare MP, John Penrose.
With 20,000 sq. ft. of rentable managed office space with communal facilities, suitable to host between 40 and 60 tenants on easy-in/easy-out terms, The Hive is based in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area, just minutes from the M5.
The Hive is owned and managed by the North Somerset Enterprise Agency and was created to provide local businesses with professional, flexible and affordable workspace, free business support and advice, as well as access to training and networking.
Leading by example, the NSEA has already moved into the new premises in May, and was shortly followed by tenants DM Optics, Abersea Engineering, Green Frog Connect and Joyce Oliver Wealth Management.
Talking at the champagne reception that marked the official opening of The Hive, NSEA Chief Executive, Angela Hicks, said that all surplus funds made from The Hive would be reinvested into local enterprise development and business support.
Angela added: “Now, when an individual in our community has an idea for a new business – a business that over time, if nurtured and grown, will contribute to the economy and perhaps create jobs – they can come here, to The Hive, not only for business advice, but for everything that a small business needs in its crucial early months and years.”
Councillor Elfan ap Rees, North Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader, said he was delighted with this project, not only because it provides a strong support for businesses in the region, but also because it marks the start of employment development on a third new site in Weston-super-Mare.
The Councillor added: “It reinforces the message to employers that Weston is open for business.”
