A company started at home is among the first to move into an innovative hub designed to help small businesses in rural Warwickshire thrive.
LSW Associates, a health, safety and environmental management specialist, has outgrown the home of its founder Lawrence Webb in Hampton Magna, Warwick, within three years of being established.
The company, which provides training and consultancy, has now relocated to the Rural Innovation Centre which was recently opened at Stoneleigh Park as part of a major initiative to boost the rural economy.
Lawrence, who has built his company on more than 25 years of experience in HSE management, said the facilities, support and location of the Rural Innovation Centre made it the ideal base for expansion.
He said: “Due to the company’s on-going success and steady growth, it needed larger premises but also supporting infrastructure and facilities such as access to training rooms and accommodation.
“Remaining in a central location was also important to stay accessible to our clients who are based across the UK and Europe.
“The Rural Innovation Centre was the ideal solution as it provides a whole host of new facilities to help develop both the training and consultancy sides of the business and being based at Stoneleigh Park also gives it a prestigious and respected address.”
The Rural Innovation Centre is part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, funded by DEFRA to support small firms in rural areas and led by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
The centre has a range of offices available for small businesses within any sector and provides services from free advice to access to high-speed broadband and state-of-the art meeting rooms.
Lawrence works across a range of industries but specialises in construction and hopes the improving economic outlook will support his business growth.
He said: “Confidence is returning to industry and businesses want to keep their best people and to do that they have to be savvy about health, safety and environmental management. “
Lawrence, who is also a part-time university tutor and professional institution representative, is planning to expand upon the interactive accredited training he delivers alongside his own client-led bespoke courses.
“The new base will also allow me to work with more local businesses and support those on site with the essentials of sensible and practical day-to-day HSE management, which is the basis of my approach,” he added.
Liz Burkinshaw, manager of the Rural Innovation Centre, said: “LSW is a prime example of the type of business that we are here to help. After being successfully established at home, it needed to take the next step up and we have been able to provide that.
“As well as a serviced office, the centre offers a wide range of facilities and support to help it thrive. LSW Associates will be a great addition and I look forward to helping with its development.”
