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Colburn Business Park

Innovate!, a £1.5 million managed workspace funded by Richmondshire District Council, Yorkshire Forward and the European Union, provides state-of-the art flexible workspace for small to medium sized companies – something that is in short supply in the Richmondshire area.

Speaking at the facility based on Colburn Business Park, Martin Havenhand, then Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward explained how he hoped Innovate! would become “a thriving business community – a place where a young person wants to start a business; a place where people commute to work, not work elsewhere; and a place where ideas, knowledge and innovation shine for the benefit of the local community.”

Innovate! provides companies with the facilities and support services to encourage business growth – such as office space with high-speed broadband internet access, meeting and conference facilities, and support from an on-site centre manager.

When filled to capacity the centre will be home to 16 companies and has space for 100 employees.

Before the official opening Timothy Kirkhope MEP spoke of the importance of the development from a European perspective.

“I am delighted to be able to highlight the important European dimension to Innovate’s opening as one of the region’s MEPs. 

The European Union is investing over one £1billion here in Yorkshire and the Humber to create and support business, to regenerate communities and to provide many jobs”

“The Innovate Centre is just what Richmondshire needs”, added Colburn ward member and Leader of the Council, Councillor Bill Glover.

It will provide an opportunity for hi-tech businesses to expand, create local employment, and act as a catalyst for the development of the rest of Colburn Business Park.”

To mark the official opening of the centre Mr Havenhand, Mr Kirkhope and Cllr Dawson unveiled a commemorative plaque.