The Hive, North Somerset’s landmark new workspace and business development centre has been officially opened for business today, at an event attended by business and community leaders, business representatives and local entrepreneurs.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), which owns and manages The Hive, welcomed MP for Weston-super-Mare John Penrose and some of The Hive’s first tenants to cut a ribbon formally opening the new building, watched by around 100 guests.
Visitors were then invited to tour The Hive which will support the launch, development and success of start-up and growing local businesses. They also heard from local entrepreneur Rob Vivian of successful telecommunications business Pure Comms which has started and grown its business in North Somerset and special guest Mike Stevenson, whose journey from rough sleeper to multi-award-winning entrepreneur has made him a passionate supporter of encouraging people to realise their potential and do things differently.
The Hive has some 20,000 sq. ft of rentable managed office space with communal facilities, providing 40-60 tenants with unfurnished offices, easy-in and easy-out terms, dedicated and secure broadband and a managed business reception, in addition to on-site business support from North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s experienced, knowledgeable and locally-based team of business advisors.
Non-tenants can also enjoy The Hive’s resources, with virtual office services and the Hive Express business lounge plus other meeting and conference rooms available to book by the hour or full day.
Based in the Business Quarter of Weston Park, in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area of Weston-super-Mare and on the former old airfield site, The Hive aims to be an enterprise hub for local firms to do business, benefit from advice, support and training and meet, share experiences and network and will be home to North Somerset Business Club, run by NSEA.
The new development has been enabled by an investment from the European Regional Development Fund, alongside funding from NSEA and lending from sustainable bank, Triodos.
Since North Somerset Enterprise Agency moved into the building in May, it has already been joined by tenants DM Optics, Abersea Engineering, Green Frog Connect and Joyce Oliver Wealth Management.
Welcoming guests including the Chairman of North Somerset Council Councillor David Hitchens, the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare Councillor Roz Willis and John Penrose MP to the official celebration NSEA Chairman Charles Walker said: “What we have today, as a result of a great deal of hard work by all involved, is a superb environmentally-sustainable building which delivers first class workspace and on-site support to businesses, within the perfect location – the exciting Junction 21 Enterprise Area.
“It is a building in which the whole of North Somerset can take pride and we hope that the local business community will get involved with The Hive, its events, its tenants and its passionate support of up-and-coming new business enterprises.”
Angela Hicks, NSEA Chief Executive said: “Now, when an individual in our community has an idea for a new business – a business that over time, if nurtured and grown, will contribute to the economy and perhaps create jobs – they can come here, to The Hive, not only for advice, but for everything that a small business needs in its crucial early months and years.
“As a small, local enterprise agency, we are very proud to have delivered this new business development centre to North Somerset, especially as all surplus funds made from The Hive will be reinvested into local enterprise development and business support.”
John Penrose MP said: “As someone who’s helped to found two start-ups myself, I know just how difficult it can be. Initiatives like The Hive are crucial to provide all the advice, encouragement and support which fledgling firms need to grow. The Hive has the potential to be a huge help to Weston’s economy. We need young businesses to flourish, and The Hive provides great conditions for them to do so.”
In addition to a smart professional business environment The Hive offers sustainable transport options with pool cycles available for tenants and an electric vehicle charger.
The building, which is designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable, incorporates many energy-saving measures including natural ventilation and lighting, photovoltaic cells and solar panels on the roof and has achieved a rare “A” rated EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).
