New business enterprise centre set to open

A new business enterprise centre in one of Staffordshire 's historic town centre buildings officially opens next month.

Stafford 's Business Enterprise Centre will officially open on Monday 18 July, but potential tenants are already signing up to the flexible licence.

Work has progressed on time and on schedule with offices and workspace areas now ready for occupation. Stafford Chambers of Commerce will be among the first occupants to move into this exciting new business centre which is a mix of historic building and modern office space.

Small and start-up businesses looking for town centre office space on flexible tenancies are being urged to find out about the centre.

The Shire Hall Business Centre in Stafford 's Market Square has benefitted from a £2m refurbishment.

A total of £1.6million was allocated to the project from the national Getting Building Fund through the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Both the county council and Stafford Borough Council have also invested in the centre.

It will offer office space, reception facilities, meeting areas, networking opportunities and business advice and support.

Staffordshire County Council 's deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “We 're excited that the Shire Hall 's Business Centre will soon be open and has attracted many small businesses and start-ups already.

“The fit-out of the business centre is now complete. Interested businesses can now get in touch with the centre management team to find our more and book a viewing. I 'm sure they 'll be impressed with the facilities, the setting of the building and its location.

“The Shire Hall is an iconic landmark in the heart of Stafford town centre and we 're pleased to have brought it back into productive use for the community.

“Much consideration has gone into the planning of the hall 's future use and our evidence and research has shown there is a need for provision in the town for small businesses. The business centre is in the former library area to the rear of the building and includes all the facilities our target businesses will need. It follows the model of our other enterprise centres with flexible tenancies and a support team on site.

“A thriving enterprise hub in the Shire Hall will benefit the wider town centre economy and recent investment and planned regeneration undoubtedly make Stafford an attractive place to work and live. ”

Any businesses wanting to find out more about unit costs and availability, or that want to book a viewing, should contact Susan Semple, centre administrator, at susan.semple@staffordshire.gov.uk or by calling 01785 226415.

Pictured: Philip White in the new Shire Hall Business Centre