The Welland Enterprise Agency has strengthened its mission to support rural business and social enterprise by relocating to Stoke Rochford village.
The Agency’s new headquarters are based at the South Lincolnshire Enterprise Centre situated on the Stoke Rochford estate. A presence in Grantham will also be retained.
To commemorate the occasion, Mrs Rosemary McCorquodale cut the ribbon at an opening ceremony on Thursday, September 7 - click here to see the pictures. She is the sole remaining member of the Turnor family who have held the estate since 1665. Some 100 guests attended, including Mr Alastair McCorquodale, Mr Neil and Lady Sarah McCorquodale
Enterprise Agency Chief Executive John Taylor welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of the relocation.
“The new centre will enable us to promote a greater awareness of every day rural issues as they arise in South Lincolnshire and throughout the Welland. We will be better placed to offer advice to pre start and new businesses along with social enterprise initiatives which are fast evolving and aim to improve the rural way of life.”
He added that the centre, which occupies converted farm buildings, had brilliant facilities to assist in supporting sustainable local communities.
“We are very well placed alongside the A1 and have superb training suites and a resource library for in-house or community events.”
The project has been funded by South Kesteven District Council and emda (East Midlands Development Agency).via the Welland SSP (Welland Sub-Regional Strategic Partnership). Ray Edwards, emda`s Director of Rural Affairs, endorsed John’s commitment during his address at the opening.
“Rural enterprise is important to the economy and development of the East Midlands. I am happy for emda to be involved in this development via the SSP.”
He added that 30 percent of the East Midland population lived in rural areas and he saw centre’s new facilities as the ideal opportunity for developing enterprise throughout the Welland region.
Ray also commented on the Agency’s contribution to the encouragement of young people in enterprise.
“There is a need to encourage an enterprise culture, particularly with youngsters, where in the past not enough has been done.”
The Agency is a non-profit organisation with satellite offices throughout the sub region. It is funded by emda via the Welland SSP and works closely with Business Link. It also receives strong support from local councils.
Click here to see more photos of the offices
Click here to see pictures of the grand opening event
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