Opportunities available at business hub in Blacon

10 December 2018

Opportunities are available for start-up businesses and growing firms to join a thriving enterprise hub in Blacon.

The Parade Enterprise Centre, in the Parade, offers office units for rent at affordable rates, as well as a variety of other rooms for hire.

Created in 2015 as part of a wider, £19.5 million regeneration project in Blacon, the centre is run by Avenue Services, whose expert staff also provide an Enterprise Service offering advice and support for all aspects of business and entrepreneurship.

The service has assisted more than 135 businesses to date, ranging from start-ups to larger, more established firms and including everything from children’s authors through to Argentinian food producers and an indoor climbing company.

One of the biggest success stories is West Cheshire Credit Union (WCCU), which was based at the Parade Enterprise Centre for three years before recently moving to new premises in Chester city centre.

WCCU offers safe and affordable financial services to all members of the local community, particularly those unable to access mainstream products.

Manager Neil Jay said: “The move to the Parade Enterprise Centre enabled us to develop and continue to expand in a positive, professional business and community environment.

“We very much enjoyed our time at there and it played a valuable role in helping us grow to where we are today.”

Chris Leicester, neighbourhood partnership manager at Avenue Services, added: “The Parade Enterprise Centre is an ‘incubation’ workspace, designed to offer businesses an affordable base from which they can develop and expand.

“The growth of West Cheshire Credit Union is a real success story for all concerned and we would encourage any other businesses who could potentially benefit from the Parade Enterprise Centre to get in touch.”

The Parade Enterprise Centre was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For more information about opportunities on offer at the centre and the business support available from Avenue Services, call Chris Leicester on 0300 123 1741 or email chris.leicester@avenue-services.co.uk.

To find out more about West Cheshire Credit Union, visit www.wccu.co.uk or call 01244 399006.