21 May 2008: Eco-friendly Newhaven Enterprise Centre opens on Denton Island

Media: 999

Newhaven’s Enterprise Centre was officially opened today (21 May) by SEEDA Chairman, Jim Brathwaite.  The £4.75 million 2,000 sq m of new space has been funded by SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency, to encourage new and small enterprises. 

The Centre has been developed by Lewes District Council in conjunction with specialist managed business centre operators Basepoint plc. It provides small workshop units, studios and offices which are offered on flexible terms - ideal for new and small businesses. Basepoint plc brings its expertise in operating 20 other similar centres across the South and Midlands to benefit new licensees at Newhaven.  In addition, on site business advice and support is available from Sussex Enterprise.

The Centre is only one of a small number of commercial buildings in the South East to have been awarded the much sought after ‘Excellent’ BREEAM* rating for sustainability.

SEEDA’s Chairman Jim Brathwaite said “Our aim is to promote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation and Contribute to the regeneration of Newhaven. We are particularly pleased that this project we have found new ways to achieve a low-carbon development and extremely pleased that this development has achieved the top industry rating, ‘BREEAM excellent’ standard.”

Over the next 10 years an estimated 250 jobs and 100 new businesses are projected to be created at the Enterprise Centre. The building was designed to meet high sustainability criteria. It is located on a brownfield site which features sustainable grey water recycling and photovoltaic panels that convert the sun’s rays into electricity.

The Centre provides small workshop units, studios and offices which are offered on flexible terms – ideal for new and small businesses.  On site business advice and support is available from Sussex Enterprise.

Cllr Ann De Vecchi, Leader of Lewes District Council  said ”We are thrilled that the Newhaven Enterprise Centre is now open and look forward to seeing the businesses it contains develop and grow to help boost confidence in the local economy.”

For information on the Newhaven Enterprise Centre please contact Basepoint on 01273 675250 or visit www.basepoint.co.uk/  For Further information on the Sussex Enterprise Gateway contact Jon Yon on 01273 612927 or visit www.newhavengateway.com/ 

Ends/

Editor’s notes:

* BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
BREEAM assesses the performance of buildings in the following areas:
• management: overall management policy, commissioning site management and procedural issues
• energy use: operational energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) issues
• health and well-being: indoor and external issues affecting health and well-being
• pollution: air and water pollution issues
• transport: transport-related CO2 and location-related factors
• land use: greenfield and brownfield sites
• ecology: ecological value conservation and enhancement of the site
• materials: environmental implication of building materials, including life-cycle impacts
• water: consumption and water efficiency

Credits are awarded in each area according to performance. A set of environmental weightings then enables the credits to be added together to produce a single overall score. The building is then rated on a scale of PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD or EXCELLENT, and a certificate is awarded.

Business Centre
The new business centre is one of a network of centres SEEDA is providing in the region, with the objective of increasing the start-up and survival rate of businesses and providing a high quality environment within which they can thrive. 

The units at the Centre are available on 'easy in easy out' terms, with on site management, meeting space, and business support via the Sussex Enterprise Gateway. 

SEEDA
Is the Government funded Agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England - the driving force of the UK’s economy. Our aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.

Newhaven Enterprise Centre
Has been brought forward as part of SEEDA’s Incubation Programme which aims to provide space geared for the needs of new and starter businesses. 46 small workshop and office units are provided in a high quality environment on flexible terms with on site management, meeting rooms / networking space and on site business support. It extends to some 2150 square metres.
The specific related objectives of this project are :-
• Remove start up barriers to local SMEs by providing flexible workspace and a sustainable support network.
• Increase the start up and survival rate of local SMEs
• Promote the growth and viability of local small businesses.
• Promote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Contribute to the regeneration of Newhaven

Basepoint plc
Basepoint plc specialises in the development and operation of managed business, innovation and enterprise centres. These centres provide comprehensive accommodation and support infrastructure packages to new and early-stage companies within a supportive and secure environment. The company operates both wholly and part-owned centres as well as managing facilities on behalf of public sector bodies. Group operations currently extend across Southern England and the Midlands, with additional opportunities under assessment across the UK. 
Basepoint is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the ACT Foundation, a leading grant-making charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need. The ACT Foundation derives its income from a substantial and diversified property portfolio of which Basepoint is a major constituent.
For further information go to http://www.basepoint.co.uk/ http://www.theactfoundation.co.uk/

Sussex Enterprise Gateway
The Sussex Enterprise Gateway has been set up to provide a complete range of services and support for entrepreneurs and young businesses in this area. We can help companies gain access to training, business advice, local mentors, funding, new contacts and business networks as well as giving them free friendly local advice.

Who is eligible for support?
The Sussex Enterprise Gateway will support entrepreneurs, pre-starts, start-ups, and young businesses, particularly in areas in need of regeneration. These may be from any industry sector and will include locally trading businesses, lifestyle businesses, social enterprises, not-for-profit businesses and groups currently under-represented in business.

What does the Sussex Enterprise Gateway want to achieve?
• To increase the number of business start-ups
• Improve the survival rates of new businesses
• Nurture entrepreneurism and innovation
• Make a positive impact on the local economy

Media enquiries to Liz Lacon, Communications Manager