New £590,000 enterprise units getting ready for business..

Entrepreneurs, new start-ups, existing businesses and those considering self-employment will be able to benefit from a major investment in Haverhill.

Construction work to expand the existing MENTA Business Centre in Hollands Road is now complete and has now opened.

West Suffolk Council, which owns the building, invested £538,000 into the project including money from developer contributions while New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and MENTA also contributed to the scheme.

The new extension brings four new units, a reception area, larger meeting spaces, and other improvements while electric vehicle chargers are also to be fitted.

MENTA, which is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in business support, will continue to manage the centre but the extension means it will be able to do even more to help businesses at this time as well as offer further space for collaboration.

Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “This is an investment to help further new enterprise and jobs growth in this important part of West Suffolk. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and centres such as this, offering excellent advice and support as well as a place within which new entrepreneurs can start their business, are a key part of our economic recovery. I am delighted that this extension to the MENTA Business Centre is now open and that there is already interest in these new units. I am very much looking forward to seeing the future success stories that they help establish here in West Suffolk.”

Cllr Susan Glossop, Cabinet Member for Growth, said: “I’m sure many people have re-evaluated their career during this pandemic even if they weren’t faced with furlough or redundancy. MENTA offers a great service to help both new and existing businesses in whatever change of direction they may be taking. I’m sure the extended building and the facilities it offers, alongside our other investments will help support the economic recovery in this part of West Suffolk.”

Alex Till, CEO of MENTA said: “We are now best placed to deliver the services our clients and wider community need, with expanded onsite training and 1-2-1 business support, new business space options including retail, the business centre has a fresh and dynamic feel for a fast-evolving business sector.”

Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia LEP, said: “It is great to see these improvements being made to offer versatile working space for small businesses. The way people work has changed over the past year and these units with flexible terms, professional meeting space and areas for co-working are sure to be popular.”

Kinga Koldas is one of the clients using the Menta Business Centre for her business KK Beauty Studio (Nailove). She said: "KK Beauty Studio is my new venture which is an expansion and rebrand of my existing business Nailove. I will be expanding my nail studio along with pedicures and facials also adding body treatments to my menu. With my new studio I have more space to expand and grow my business. The new MENTA business hub allows me to expand my business, reach out for assistance from the team here and be part of a business in a close-knit community. The work on the business hub has made so many improvements and I feel confident about the coming months. My clients have already commented on what a nice spot it is to be based. Haverhill is a great spot to be based as it connects with the wider region so well and I am positive about the future."

The build has been carried out by Gipping Construction.

New business space and regular training and events are planned through the coming months, Anyone with a business enquiry with regard the Haverhill MENTA Business Centre should email either Paul@menta.org.uk or haverhill@menta.org.uk or phone 01284 760206.

*Article content written by West Suffolk Council