Published: May 17, 2012
Minister unveils plans for multi-million pound Highbridge 'enterprise hub'

Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for the Environment, visited Highbridge on Thursday (May 17th) and announced that the town is to get a multi-million pound investment.

A new 'enterprise hub' is to be built on an area of land next to the town's Isleport Business Park recycling centre, pictured above.

The new facilities seek to transform the prospects of local start-up companies by providing around 10 newly-built business premises with super-fast broadband and the services of a business mentor.

The 'enterprise hub' is one of several projects that Devon and Somerset’s Rural Growth Network is delivering across the region as it aims to create more than 1,300 jobs and boost the local rural economy by £58 million.

The Government announced in March that Somerset and Devon had been selected as one of five pilot regions for the Rural Growth Network, with an award of £2.9m.

On Thursday, Minister Caroline Spelman met representatives of Somerset County Council and partner organisations in the Rural Growth Network bid. She visited Highbridge's Morland Community Hall before going on to the Isleport site, pictured here.

The Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Cllr David Hall, told Burnham-On-Sea.com during the visit: "It was a pleasure to welcome Caroline Spelman to Highbridge to see an area where the Somerset and Devon pilot will be making a difference."

"The Rural Growth Network will bolster the Council efforts with our partners in Devon County Council and the LEP to increase the opportunities for small businesses to make a strong and sustainable start and encourage job and wealth creation across the county."

Mrs Spelman said: "I hope this development will ensure that no great business idea is held back by the challenges of a remote location. Local entrepreneurs will have new chances to achieve their business potential, boosting the rural economy and supporting a thriving community."

Highbridge county councillor John Woodman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "This is great news for Highbridge and again demonstrates what an ideal location the town is for business."

A planning application will be submitted later in the year and building work is scheduled to start in 2013.