£3.5m Hathersage Hall Business Centre celebrates first tenants [Peak District]

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Hathersage Hall Business Centre (the new £3.5m Grade II listed rural office development in Derbyshire) is celebrating the arrival of its first two tenants, with more local firms queuing to snap up the remaining executive office suites.

[Hathersage, Derbyshire - 20 March 2010]

Bucking the commercial property trend elsewhere in the country, there’s no sign of economic gloom at the Peak District’s prestigious office development, where the new decade got off to a flying start with the arrival of the first two commercial tenants at Hathersage Hall Business Centre. In line with the philosophy behind the whole project, both firms - spearheaded by pioneering lady entrepreneurs - have sustainable development and regeneration at the core of their business ethos.

Helen Ibbotson heads the dynamic team at Ibbotson Architects (www.ibbotsonarchitects.co.uk), an internationally recognised company which is driving forward the sustainability agenda on a global basis; they recently received the Dragon Design Festival Award from the Chinese government.

“Hathersage Hall Business Centre is the natural base for my practice and meets the company’s aspirations perfectly” commented Helen, from the comfort of her new office. “The design of the Glass House, with its curved glass and walls and green sedum roof is consistent with the image of a contemporary, sustainable architectural practice and it is vitally important that clients see that I work in a location which is a clear demonstration of my design principles and beliefs.”

The opportunity to work alongside like-minded professionals was also a key factor in Helen’s decision to relocate and already she has brought another tenant to Hathersage Hall Business Centre, through her professional friendship with Frances Wells (Founding Director of FWA Sustainable Business
www.fwaconsulting.com).

Frances is also an active corporate networker and will shortly be chairing a new, local female entrepreneurs’ mentoring group for Forward Ladies (www.forwardladies.com), the regional business women’s organisation. Ms Wells is enthusiastic about making full use of her new headquarters as a springboard to grow her business: “An important part of the work we do is about sustainability strategy development with management and staff. I look forward to inviting clients to this inspiring place for creative away-days and training in sustainability thinking.

“With the added option of informal walk-and-talk sessions in the magnificent surrounding countryside and the prospect of a delicious locally-sourced lunch, I expect it to be a very attractive proposition!”

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park, and with excellent communications and high speed broadband capability, Hathersage Hall Business Centre provides the ideal opportunity for high-tech service sector companies to work in peaceful and attractive surroundings, yet close to transport, shopping and eating facilities in the village.

Country Land and Business Association (www.cla.org.uk) spokesman Tim Barnes-Clay said: “Estates such as Michael’s make a significant contribution to the rural economy in the East Midlands. They also play a vital role in supporting the local community. Hathersage Hall Business Centre goes a long way in tackling these fundamental issues by offering real prospects for local people who are considering starting up their own business in order to achieve a work life balance.” A sentiment which is echoed by Polly Gibb, Director of WIRE (Women in Rural Enterprise - www.wireuk.org); "We welcome the opening of this facility in the Hope Valley. Our members make lifestyle choices to run their businesses in rural locations, where they can stay local as they develop and grow without the need to commute to urban centres.”

Comprising six sensitively restored Grade II listed farm buildings, complemented by two attractively finished new builds, this high specification commercial property hub has been designed to cater for a complementary mix of businesses including those in the legal, architectural, design, digital, finance and marketing sectors and Michael is encouraging a broad base of skills to take up the remaining 10 units on offer.

This month sees the arrival of Peter Farmer and his team from FDA Design (www.fdadesign.co.uk): '”We've been looking for an office that matches the environmental credentials of our business for quite some time. FDA works in heritage interpretation so Hathersage Hall Business Centre really is the perfect location for us.”

With the majority of the smaller units now either occupied or under offer, there’s currently fierce competition developing for the three remaining office suites in The Barn which features stunning exposed roof timbers, sustainable under-floor heating powered by air-source heat pumps and open hillside views.

However, for Michael Shuttleworth, the challenge remains to find one medium-sized company looking to relocate “... possibly one that’s looking to downsize gracefully and convert our Grade II listed Coach House or Loose Box into their new Head Office location – with the peace and tranquillity of the National Park on the doorstep and the bustling metropolis of Sheffield a mere 20 minutes away”.

With new enquiries arriving on a daily basis as the result of a dedicated online marketing strategy, the realisation of even this goal shouldn’t be too far away!
Hathersage Hall Business Centre is a prestigious new office development, set against the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park. Comprising six original Grade II listed farm buildings, complemented by two attractively finished new builds, this commercial property hub offers a total of 12,500 sq ft of prestige office space to accommodate a small community of high quality, knowledge-based businesses.