Member Article

Newburn business centre back in action with £750k refurbishment after storms

Nearly sixteen months after unprecedented storms devastated Newburn Village, the popular ‘Owners Business Centre’ on the High Street is now fully back in business after a major revamp costing nearly £750,000.

In September 2012, following what the Met office described as “the most intense September storm for 30 years” the ground floor of Owners Business Centre suffered major damage arising from water and silt being washed down from a massive culvert collapse above the village. Although no significant structural damage was suffered, the internal structure has now been completely renewed – with full re-wiring, re-carpeting and re-decoration.

Owners Business Centre, operated by Azure’s Managed Business Space Ltd, (MBSL), offers affordable business units - offices and workshops - to start up and small businesses from as little as £140 per month. Any surpluses are ploughed back into the parent charity Azure Charitable Enterprises, which helps local disabled and disadvantaged people.

Brian Johnson, managing director of BJANCO, locksmiths and manufacturers of security products, took three units at the Owners Business Centre in October 2013 after his home-based business grew too large for his garage.

Within three months of moving he has now more than doubled his units to seven including workshops for manufacturing. Brian says: “It’s been one of the best business decisions I’ve made. We have plenty of parking, I can have manufacturing units here as well as office space and there’s convenient parcel handling facilities. The rent includes all service charges so there are no nasty surprises. Business has been so brisk since I moved here that I’m intending to employ four more people full time here in the next six months.”

Peter Elliott OBE, managing director of Azure Managed Business Space Ltd says: “We have a good mix of businesses already operating from Owners Business Centre including IT and Technology specialists; accountants; recruitment consultants; electricians; property consultants and manufacturers. There’s a smart reception, friendly staff and telephone answering service, all of which are included.

“Not only do our tenants have the advantage of low cost rents and excellent terms, but they’re also helping local disabled and disadvantaged people too with all surpluses going back to the charity.”

Johnson Tucker, Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants, are agents for Owners Business Centre and all enquiries should be addressed to them.

Gary Robinson, associate partner with Johnson Tucker says: “For any small business, locating here is a very shrewd move. You gain the credibility of a low cost, professional office with a full time manager and receptionist but you also get a full range of other services into the bargain: there’s a meeting room; post collection and delivery; ample free parking; great transport links and extra admin if you need it. A number of incentives are offered such as rent free periods and easy in/easy out terms. Tenants can take a single unit or a mix of units, expanding or reducing space as their business dictates.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kate Slater .