Investment in English Riviera shows EU at its best - Watson (St Ives Liberal Democrats)

St Ives Liberal Democrats <trevorandrea131@aol.com>

Investment in English Riviera shows EU at its best - Watson

November 7, 2008 10:18 AM

Torbay's new Innovation Centre today played host to local Liberal Democrat MEP Graham Watson who joined local business leaders and entrepreneurs for the opening of the new state-of-the-art centre on Lymington Road.

Speaking after the Centre's opening Graham Watson commented;

"This is a bricks and mortar example of the EU helping businesses here in the South West. It is the EU at its best; supporting the entrepreneurial sprit, helping local companies which are so important to jobs and wealth in this. I know a lot of people have worked hard to get this excellent scheme off the ground. I'm sure Torbay can build on this success to secure further business investment. I am proud that we are keeping the English Riviera's business potential on the map in Brussels."

The Innovation Centre has been designed to give new and existing businesses a range of facilities including 28 units of desk and office space with all inclusive rent, meeting rooms which can be hired on a flexible basis, together with comprehensive business support, including 1:1 business advice, training workshops, mentoring and twice monthly free networking meetings which regularly attract between 60 -90 people.

Of the 28 units, 10 have already been filled by diverse companies, including GJ Associates, a letting agency; international training company, Training Partnership; Cornelius & Co, an accountancy company; Better Clean Services, an industrial cleaning company, Debt Core South West, offering a debt management service; Direct Train to Care, a training company. In addition, 10 other companies are currently evaluating the leases and are expected to move in shortly.

The main building is contemporary but has been carefully designed to fit in with its surroundings within the coach station car park, including the use of green copper cladding to link in with nearby trees. It has also been designed to have the latest wireless ICT and telephony technology and energy efficiency devices.