NEW modern, purpose built offices are now open for business at the Minehead Enterprise Centre.

Following high demand for office space in the area, the Enterprise Centre has been converted into two floors to double the amount of workspace to 95 square metres.

The ground floor of the Enterprise Centre is now occupied by the Commercial Services department of the West Somerset Railway plc.

They had been looking for suitable premises for some time and are delighted to have found offices in the Enterprise Centre at Minehead.

The new first floor is split into three individual offices and an open plan space with an additional three hot desks.

Somerset County Council say all tenants have taken up occupancy at the site and have access to business support services such as business diagnostics, growth planning advice and networking events. This is all part of the package at the Enterprise Centre to stimulate business growth.

West Somerset Railway General Manager, Paul Conibeare, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Somerset County Council and TDA (Enterprise Centre operator) to find this excellent office space, where we can continue to promote visitors to one of Britain’s premier heritage railways and one of Somerset’s leading Tourist attractions.”

Somerset County Council successfully secured central government Rural Growth Network funding in order to expand the Enterprise Centre.

Cllr David Hall, Cabinet member for business and inward investment at Somerset County Council, added: “There is high demand for office space in the Minehead area.

"The expansion of the Enterprise Centre will provide the much needed space and business support to allow local businesses to set up and prosper.”

The Council’s network of enterprise centres – in Dulverton, Minehead, Wheddon Cross, Frome and Highbridge – are already home to around 45 businesses, supporting more than 100 jobs.

Funding has been secured and planning permission has also been granted for a new Enterprise Centres in Wiveliscombe, and to expand the centre in Highbridge.

The county council will find out later this year if it has been successful in securing funding for another new Enterprise Centre in Wells.