European funding bid is prepared

A SUCCESSFUL bid for European funding could hold the key to an ambitious scheme to help fledgling businesses get off the ground.

Hambleton District Council has unveiled plans for purpose-built industrial units to be created in Stokesley, giving new firms a base to start from and access to useful business advice.

The authority is hoping to build the office block on Ellerbeck Way in the centre of the town's industrial park.

It says larger premises nearby will help growing businesses when they no longer need the initial sheltered environment.

The council is working to find other agencies that could help finance the scheme, but securing European cash would be vital to its success.

Steve Quartermain, director of planning and environmental services, said: "The project is intended to provide ten small units of about 800 sq ft each.

"In addition, administrative and reception space would be included, with a training facility.

"The building will have the appearance of a small, modern office building, probably two storeys high."

He added: "Whilst there are some 80 units in total in the Stokesley area for rent, ranging from 200 sq ft to 4,500 sq ft, there are no managed workspace or incubator units where start-up businesses can get support to help them through the first three years of life.

"Such accommodation would be ideal to operate as 'feeder' units from which small young businesses could move into the wider market of rented accommodation with a good business base."

Stokesley has no permanent location to offer advice to either existing or newly established businesses.

Mr Quartermain said the plan would change that.

He said: "The proposed facility would mean that Stokesley, in the northern extreme of the district, would have a base from which local businesses could be serviced."

The project has been planned to run for an initial three-year period, although council chiefs say there is a possibility that it could run indefinitely