The latest move to help nurture enterprise in Thurrock will see part of its historic Post Office in George St, Grays reopen as the Thurrock Centre for Business when the official launch takes place on 4th November.
The £650,000 refurbishment, which was funded by Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation and Thurrock Council, was designed by Essex-based architects Ayshford Sansome and project managed by HBW Partnership, Southend-on-Sea. The Centre is just one element of the Development Corporation’s goal to help create 26,000 local jobs through the regeneration of the borough.
The Centre is operated by NWES, the country’s largest enterprise agency and comprises seven lettable modern offices, conference and meeting space located over two floors.
The former Post Office in George Street was acquired by the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation in December 2008. Phase I of the reopening took place in March this year when the doors of theThurrock Learning Shop officially opened and the opening of the Centre for Business completes the redevelopment of the building.
Already 85% occupied, three tenants are currently housed in the building (Focus on Banking, The Consumer Rights Project and M&L Services), with three more businesses due to move in within the next month.
In addition to office space, the Centre also offers advice to budding entrepreneurs. John Sargant, the resident business advisor, is available onsite to provide fully-funded business advice sessions for those considering self-employment and setting up in business. Appointments can be made by telephone: 01375 486310 or by dropping into the Centre.
Will McKee, chair of the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation commented; “As part of our commitment to supporting enterprise and creating jobs, we are delighted to open this modern, high tech facility in this strategic town centre, helping young businesses to get off to a flying start and enabling small ventures to grow.”
John Balch, Strategic Director at NWES said: “Thurrock Centre for Business will provide local people with local business support, as well as provide office space with ‘easy-in, easy-out’ tenancy terms. Every tenant will have access to free enterprise support and 1-to-1 advice to help them survive and prosper in business. The centre will offer more than just bricks and mortar to its tenant businesses – it will essentially serve as a one stop business support hub for the town.”
Cllr John Kent, leader of Thurrock Council added; “Grays town is a key and historic centre of the borough and it is imperative that it remains a viable and busy hub. This week’s opening is another step in regenerating the whole borough with new technological opportunities attracting new business, new jobs and new hope.”
Established in 1982, NWES provides professional and impartial business advice to new and existing businesses, as well as managing a portfolio of more than 20 business centres located across the East of England including Harlow Enterprise Hub in Essex and the offshore renewable energy hub OrbisEnergy, based in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
For details of the all the services available from the Thurrock Centre for Business, including information on renting office space or a meeting room, please call 01375 486310 or email tcb.reception@nwes.org.uk
