News - October 2005

Work Starts On £1m Units

A £1 million extension to the offices of Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency has got under way in a project that will create 12 ‘ incubator units’ to assist new businesses.

The extension at Redhills, near Penrith, will offer fledgling rural business office space and equipment, with hands-on nurturing in the first years of development.

Financed by private funds, the work is due for completion by the end of summer 2006. CREA chief executive Bob Clark said:

"We've done our research and we're confident there is a growing need for this type of support base for new business in their early tender years. It will he run on a commercial basis, and is not long-term office space, but will support them until they can move on to more permanent premises," he said.

PICTURED above are, from left, John Widdaker, director and architect, Countryside Consultants, Alston; Lynda Barnes. PA to CREA chief executive Bob Clark; and Michael Haymes, quantity surveyor, Michael Haymes Partnership Ltd.