£270k facelift for Worksop Turbine Innovation Centre
6th July 2017
Posted on July 6th, 2017
The Worksop Turbine Innovation Centre for new and growing businesses has undergone a £270,000 facelift, the focal point of which is a new cafe.
It is the first time in two years that the centre - which is managed by Oxford Innovation on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council - has had a purpose-built place to eat.
The investment from the council has also funded a larger conference room at the Coach Crescent, Shireoaks, centre and increased to 58 the number of serviced office spaces for growing and start-up businesses.
The improved conference centre seats up to 70 people, replacing the smaller 50-seat room and has the potential to earn the council up to £20,000 a year.
Claire Gregory, Centre Manager at Worksop Turbine Innovation Centre, said: “We’re very proud of what we do at the Innovation Centre to nurture the job creators of the present and future, but we’re still constantly striving to further improve the services we offer.
“The new cafe has been open for onlya few weeks and has already created a special buzz, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere, while the conference room, which can be spilt in two, offers dynamic options for businesses wanting to stage small or large events or workshops.”
"More than 220 people are employed by the 39 tenant businesses at the Turbine, including 37 new jobs created over the past 12 months, which is testament to its ongoing success. Out of small acorns come sometimes very large businesses and that’s what they can inspire here.”
David Pearson, Director of Partnerships and Membership Services at the Chamber, also addressed the audience. He said: “It’s essential for a small town like Worksop to have growth facilities and, from what I know of the centre, it is doing a great job.”
Fellow speaker Craig Hall, Managing Director of Ortus Group, which provides deliberation and pre-hospital and advanced vehicle monitoring services, moved into Worksop Turbine Innovation Centre after launching his business in 2011 from a standing start and now turns over £9m, operating from five units at the centre.
He said: “From being a one-man band starting up it was challenging, but you have someone here offering support and who you can bounce ideas off. They have been brilliant for my business.”
The centre offers hot desks, virtual office support and office space from £325+VAT a month. The centre also provides business growth coaching services and training workshops for resident firms.
