Farron hails Kendal business hub success
On the one year anniversary of its opening, local MP Tim Farron has hailed the success of the Mintworks business hub in Kendal. Tim said it was an "ambitious decision by the council which has brought real benefit to the area". The centre has been so successful it has turned a profit in its first year.
One year ago today (27th November 2015), Tim opened the new Mintworks enterprise centre in Kendal, which has since been highly successful. The building is currently full, with eleven businesses based there employing twenty seven people. A wide variety of businesses are based at the hub, ranging from a web animation company through to a sub-sea contractor.
The Mintworks hub has been so successful that, far from being a drain on council resources, it will in fact turn a £4k profit.
South Lakeland District Council decided to invest in the Mintworks enterprise centre as part of their work to support start-ups and small businesses in the area. The building had previously stood empty for years. Mintworks provides affordable premises for small businesses while they are getting established, after which they will move on to larger premises where they can grow.
Tim said: "The success of the Mintworks enterprise centre over the last year has vindicated the Lib Dem-run council's decision to back it. Not only does it help to support local business, it is even turning a profit. There is a real entrepreneurial buzz in the South Lakes, helping to provide jobs and for local people and boost the local economy. This was an ambitious decision by the council which has brought real benefit to the area."
Graham Vincent, Economy Portfolio Holder on South Lakeland District Council, added: "Mintworks Business Hub is a significant development that fills a space not occupied by the private sector. The range of current business occupants is very encouraging as all of these sectors provide higher value employment. I am looking forward to the first business needing to move into larger premises, as we currently have a healthy waiting list. This is further evidence that South Lakeland has a strong entrepreneurial business culture. I wish all of our occupants every success in their business lives."