THREE energy sector businesses have moved onto Beacon Park, in Gorleston-on-Sea, as construction work continues apace on the business park thanks to investment by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Government.
The borough council, the owner and developer of the premier park, is investing £8m to build more than 100,000sq ft of floorspace in four phases. Beacon Park is part of the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft (New Anglia) Enterprise Zone, which focuses on growing energy-related business within the East of England Energy Zone.
The nine units of office and industrial floorspace, which comprise phases one and two, have been constructed speculatively by the borough council as a mark of confidence in the growing local economy. Four are already occupied with a further two under offer.
Keys were formally handed over recently to the energy sector businesses, Cebo UK Ltd, Magma Products, and Elmdale, for units on the park’s Blackfriars Court industrial campus.
Representatives from the businesses joined Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the council leader, and Paul Pitcher, the managing director of Lowestoft-based contractor, Wellington Construction, for the traditional ceremony.
Cllr Wainwright said: “I wholeheartedly welcome these businesses to Beacon Park, which is growing fast and supporting the local economy thanks to continued private and public investment, including a significant contribution from the borough council.
“The fact that three of the new occupiers operate in the energy sector supply chain is a great way to start celebrations for the 50th anniversary of offshore operations from Great Yarmouth, and indicates huge confidence in the local economy, the skills of the workforce, the port and business park facilities, and the Enterprise Zone.”
The Government is also investing £3m of infrastructure funding in Beacon Park, which together with further funds from the borough council, is enabling the council to construct seven more industrial and office buildings, as well as other important infrastructure.
Magma Products employs 15 from its Beacon Park operation, with a further 25 expected to be recruited in the next six months.
Hayley Cann, of Magma Products, said: “The success of Beacon Park is an excellent example of public and private organisations working together to deliver tangible results.
“Our Great Yarmouth office is already playing its part in our company’s overall success. In addition, there is a talented local skills base which can help our business grow. Here’s to the next 50 years, and more, of offshore operations from Great Yarmouth.”
Chris Starkie, managing director of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “There is no doubt that the Enterprise Zone brand and its real business benefits have proved a big attraction for the energy sector and, in turn, millions of pounds of investment for the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft area.
“Beacon Park is great example of that and is fast becoming a real hub for the energy industry and its supply chain.”
Paul Pitcher, managing director of Wellington Construction, said: “2014 saw Beacon Park move forward hugely, with a number of companies moving onto the park, taking advantage of the superb location and Enterprise Zone benefits, and creating jobs in the process.
“These three new companies which are moving onto Beacon Park are a further indication of the attractiveness of Beacon Park to businesses, and an indication of the success of the partnership between Wellington and Great Yarmouth Borough Council which has developed Blackfriars Court speculatively.”