This month (November), seven new businesses have moved into Springfield House at Harrogate Convention Centre thanks to support from Harrogate Borough Council.
The businesses were previously tenants at Copthall Bridge House but were forced to find new accommodation after their office space provider decided to pull out of a tenancy agreement with its landlord.
The borough council was keen to support businesses affected by the situation, particularly in helping them find alternative premises as they have a number of vacant town centre offices available, so held drop-in events to explain what support is available.
Councillor Graham Swift, cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said:
Here at the borough council we were saddened to hear that businesses had been told to vacate Copthall Bridge House and felt we should offer what support we can.
Through drop-in sessions, and getting in touch with the businesses affected directly, we are pleased to announce that we have welcomed seven businesses to our vacant offices at Springfield House in the Harrogate Convention Centre.
Matthew Pearson, from PMK Design Associates, said:
Several businesses were left homeless which was really challenging having to find new accommodation and move in at short notice while maintaining our businesses. Luckily Harrogate Borough Council stepped in to help provide office space, which we are extremely grateful of, as well as help and support. We are delighted with Springfield House and feel that this is a great opportunity to build a new business community hub that we once had at Copthall Bridge House.
The council can offer space for businesses with up to 50 employees and can offer temporary licences affective immediately on flexible terms. Office spaces are still available so any businesses looking for support should email: business@harrogate.gov.uk
Councillor Swift added:
By helping these businesses stay located in the heart of Harrogate town centre we hope, in some way, we have helped safeguard jobs for their employees. I’d urge any businesses affected by the situation at Copthall Bridge House who hasn’t been in touch already to do so as we’re really keen to help where we can.
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