Gordon Brown reopens Aizlewood’s Mill business centre after 25 years of success

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown returned to reopen Aizlewood’s Mill business centre in Sheffield.

The Mill, which celebrates 25 years of restoration this year, was built on the site of Sheffield Castle’s garden, and is the city’s very first co-operatively owned and run workspace and was opened by Dr Brown in July 1990.

Operating as a prime example of managed workspace within a Grade II listed building, Aizlewood’s Mill provides 59 offices to rent to SMEs as well as conference and meeting rooms and virtual offices.

Cath Beatty, the centre manager who invited Gordon Brown on behalf of the owners Sheffield Co-operative Development Group, said: “We really didn’t think this close to election time Dr Brown would be able to join us, but as he is already in the area, we were thrilled to discover he would be able to celebrate 25 years of success with us.”

Gordon Brown toured the building and rededicated the Mill, cutting the ribbon with scissors from Ernest Wright, which were also made in Sheffield.

Manager Cath concluded: “Mr Brown was delighted to see how the Mill has gone from strength to strength supporting local businesses, many of whom are still thriving co-operatively owned entities. Aizlewood’s Mill is an example of worker-owned organisations that have survived very difficult times and is excelling in the local market against all the odds.”