The success of a Solihull business centre, which is a hive for small and expanding companies, is proof positive of the improving economic fortunes in the region.
The University of Warwick Science Park’s Blythe Valley Innovation Centre (BVIC) has seen a dramatic upturn in the take up of space – so much so that it is 94 per cent full.
The centre, which houses a range of businesses from technology firms to scientific research companies, has just four units remaining available.
That, says the BVIC, which also offers range of business services to it tenants, is a sign of the pick-up in demand. There are now 24 companies based within the building, as well as three ‘virtual’ tenants. The space available ranges from 291 sq ft up to 656 sq ft.
Janet Bunch, the BVIC manager, said enquiries were still strong.
She said: “The occupation levels are outstanding and the enquiries are still coming in too.
“We have some wonderful businesses on-site and they are a great barometer of the economic improvement over the past year or so.
“Some are start-ups and others are established firms who wanted a base in the region.
“There are a good breadth of firms in terms of sector too, ranging from technology to b2b services. The fact they see this centre as a good base from which to do business is, obviously, good news for us but also a reflection on the area.
“It’s an outstanding location and you really do get the feeling that, as the UK economy is improving, we are seeing the benefit of that here in this region.
“As we do get closer to full occupation, we still want to hear from companies to come to us with enquiries for space. We have three other centres across the region and, between us, we would look to accommodate their space requirements – providing they met the Science Park’s criteria.”
