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MP Gillian Keegan officially opens Chichester Enterprise Centre

Chichester

A new business centre, providing affordable accommodation for new or small to medium sized businesses, was officially opened on Thursday 7 June by Gillian Keegan, MP for Chichester.

Gillian was joined by Councillor Tony Dignum, Leader of Chichester District Council, councillors and members of Chichester District Council, representatives of key partners in the project as well as owners from the 24 business already in occupation at the centre to unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

The centre is now home to a wide variety of businesses, including: solicitors, web designers, an electrical and lighting company, interior designers, software developers and management consultants to name a few and the networking event provided Gillian and the members of the council to meet and speak to these businesses and view their units and find out how the creation of the enterprise centre has benefitted their operations.

The Enterprise Centre, located in Terminus Road Chichester, has been built by Chichester District Council in order to create jobs and encourage the growth of start-up, small and medium sized businesses in the district.

The centre provides 3,282 square metres of high quality workspace, including serviced and managed offices, workshops and shared workspace in a purpose-built development.

The centre offers 82 units in total, including fully functioning offices, studios and workshops, ranging from 12 to 65 square metres. A variety of business support facilities will also be available, including: a reception, breakout area, bookable meeting rooms, telephony, high speed internet and free parking.

The centre offers flexible business accommodation, with a range of options available, from renting a desk for an hour, through to permanent office space. The centre can even offer a business address for new businesses that are trying to get up and running.

The aim is to help support businesses in a variety of ways, including working with local education providers and business groups, to offering support and mentoring schemes.

Basepoint was chosen by Chichester District Council to manage the centre.

Councillor Tony Dignum, Leader of Chichester District Council, believes that the centre will have a very positive impact on business growth,

“Local business people, both established and those planning to set up new businesses, have told us that they want to see more affordable, flexible, quality business accommodation. In response to this, we have developed the Enterprise Centre, which we believe will help to encourage economic growth in the area.

“It is forecast that the project could create around 275 new jobs every three years and contribute to improved business survival rates.  In particular, the centre will focus on the needs of small, medium and start-up businesses, with flexible easy-in, easy-out terms.

“We have already developed a great partnership with Basepoint, who are managing the centre on our behalf. They have a huge amount of experience in managing these types of development and have already received a great response from the local business community.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Basepoint, adds,
“We’re delighted to be working with Chichester District Council on this project as it underpins our shared commitment to supporting small and local businesses.

“The Enterprise Centre will be instrumental in providing the flexibility, space and support that local SMEs and start-ups need in order to reach their full growth potential.”