Newark Beacon: 2007

Many months of hard work and careful planning: the story of the Newark Beacon Business Innovation Centre throughout 2007

On 2nd July 2007, on its opening day, the Beacon welcomed its very first tenants, Niddocks Internet Solutions. Neil Kippen, Chairman of Niddocks Internet solutions Ltd said at the time: “We are very proud to be the first tenants to move in to the fabulous Newark Beacon. Our growth has been so rapid in the first six months of trading that we have found ourselves needing 76sq metres of high quality, affordable office space fast!” He added “Thanks to the truly professional staff, this has all been achieved with the minimum of disruption.”

Niddocks are a young innovative company, which is exactly the type of business that the Newark Beacon is designed to attract. Adam Stacey, their Managing Director recently won the prestigious Young Business Person of the Year title at the Newark Business Awards 2007.

In September 2007, Theo Paphitis star of the BBC TV series the Dragons’ Den officially opened the Newark Beacon. Mr Paphitis wowed the audience with the story of his success, right back to how he ran a tuck shop at his local school, through to the dizzy heights of becoming the multi-millionaire that he is today. He is an inspiration to those wishing to take the first steps towards starting their own business.

To date, the Beacon has seven tenants with two more due in the next few weeks. This equates to just under 50 percent occupancy, which is fantastic news given it will be only six months since the doors opened for business.

Newark Beacon is a £3.9m project managed by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with East Midlands Development Agency, Nottinghamshire County Council, the Alliance Sub-Regional Strategic Partnership and the Lindum Group. The centre has been designed to incorporate 31 units, a café and breakout area with awning, reception services and meeting/conference facilities on two floors.