Kick off for new Turf Moor business centre

10:46am Friday 18th July 2008

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A NEW centre to encourage business development in Burnley has opened at Turf Moor.

Turf Moor Enterprise Haven has opened its doors to the community and is a flagship project, one of five planned across East Lancashire over the next three years as part of the No Limits initiative.

No Limits aims to boost the local economy and rejuvenate deprived communities by encouraging and promoting enterprise.

Burnley FC chairman Barry Kilb, said: “Through the Haven, the club can play a significant role in helping the economic regeneration of the area.

“Turf Moor Enterprise Haven will become home to some of the regions brightest new businesses and we are delighted to support and be part of No Limits.”

What was a void in the Jimmy McIlroy Stand at Turf Moor is now an Enterprise Haven which includes 14 ready-to-go offices, six education and business suites and a consultation suite. Two business have already taken up residency in the stand.

The education and business suites have state-of-the-art multi media facilities to suit Burnley’s communities and developing businesses, and through No Limits partners business advice and support will be available.

Coun Martin Smith, Burnley Council’s executive member for regeneration and economic development, said: “The Haven offers a fresh approach to encouraging business start-ups using the brand of the football club as a magnet.

“The unique idea of basing The Haven at the football club means thousands of residents, who wouldn’t normally access mainstream business support structures, will feel more comfortable accessing the support and facilities on offer at the heart of their community.”

No Limits has secured an initial £30million of government funding to regenerate the Pennine Lancashire economy through supporting new and growing businesses, creating up to 13,000 jobs and 4,000 companies over the next decade.

Claire Stock, centre manager at Blackburn Rovers Enterprise Centre, funded by the same cash pot. said: “Since completion we have already filled a third of the centre, but we still have offices of all sizes available.

“So far we have attracted a real variety of businesses including a web design company, a business communications service, a Blackburn business directory and even an aquarium leasing company."