Micro Business expands in Venture House

A micro business which has expanded into new offices in Stratford-upon-Avon didn’t have too far to go to win work at its new home - the next room in fact.

KSM Recruitment has become the latest tenant at Venture House on the Avenue Farm Industrial Estate in Stratford-upon-Avon, and within days of moving in had secured work recruiting for one its fellow tenants.

KSM is run by Karen Moore, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the recruitment industry. She launched the business two years ago and previously ran the company from her home near Stratford.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s state-of-the-art Venture House business centre, opened its doors in April this year following the completion of a major project to turn a redundant council building into a top class facility for small businesses and new business start-ups.

The project has been funded by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) through an award of £450,000 as part of the Growth Deal initiative, and led by a team from Stratford-on-Avon District Council. The award is part of an overall £89.4 million Growth Deal Package for Coventry and Warwickshire announced in January 2015.

Karen discovered Venture House on the back of seeing publicity about the launch event over the summer and said she was delighted to secure space in the centre.

“When we heard about the opening of the centre and came to look around, it became clear it was ideal for the company to take us to the next level,” she said.

“We’ve moved in initially on a six month basis, and it ticks a lot of boxes for us. It’s really handily positioned not far from the A46, which is important for us getting out and about to meet clients and candidates, but also close to town at the same time.

“The free parking is also important, especially for when we have candidates coming here for interview or assessments, and I really like the fact we are working close to other businesses of similar sizes.

“It’s nice to be able to interact with other businesses, and in fact we started working with a company who have moved in to the unit next door to us. To find each other was really handy for us both!”

KSM has also been able to take advantage of free business support from the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub who have experts operating at Venture House.

Karen added: “Phil Peak from the Growth Hub approved our business plan before we moved in which was extremely useful. In the short space of time we’ve been at the centre we’ve seen a growth in business which is very encouraging.”

Nancy Singleton, centre manager, said: “We are delighted that Venture House has provided small businesses like KSM with an opportunity to take the first step from a home based environment where people can often feel isolated or distracted into a commercial base.

“Venture House provides a flexible, creative and innovative environment with access to free business support to help new and fledging businesses like KSM to grow.  

“We want Venture House to be an inspirational platform that supports businesses on their journey and to help realise their wider ambitions.”

Jonathan Browning, chairman of CWLEP, said Venture House is well placed to help small businesses to grow.

“It’s extremely positive to see local businesses using Venture House to grow and fully utilise the on-site support to make the step to the next level,” he said.

To find out more about Venture House go to www.venturehousestratford.co.uk or contact 01789 207500.

PICTURE CAPTION: left to right – Nancy Singleton (Venture House), and Karen Moore (KSM Recruitment)