A business accommodation provider is on the hunt for more properties in a West Cumbria town to support its growth plans.

The Phoenix Enterprise Centre says it is in discussions regarding two significant properties in Cleator Moor and is on the lookout for more as it aims to build on its reputation for providing flexible business accommodation.

The centre currently houses more than 30 businesses employing 240 people in 44,000 sq ft of premises, which ranges from large office suites to workshop.

There is currently a waiting list for workshop spaces and strong demand for office space, which has led to a concentration in effort to find new premises.

The centre – set up in 1985 after the Co-op vacated a former landmark flour mill in the town – has had a number of notable successes, which include helping Kurt Canfield’s Safety Critical and Dave Milling Motorcycles start their businesses as well as supplying a new base to bring REACT into Cleator Moor.

At present, it provides a west Cumbrian base for major firm Bendall’s Engineering and companies such as Cumbira O&M Services, which is already looking to take up more space to house its growing team of 30 to fulfil several large contracts, including one with Sellafield.

It also has an IT centre that has become a major focal point for the community, helping 1,000 people each year to find jobs and with benefits issues.

Operations manager Joanne Crowe is proud that the community interest company has an occupancy rate for nearly 90 per cent and has only seen four tenants go under since she started work there in 2003.

She said: “We have an easy-in, easy-out license agreement which gives people the confidence to have a go at being self employed without being tied to a lease.

“The location helps business, being close to Sellafield and the major towns. But this is also a very peaceful environment to base a business and we get the basics right here such as free parking. And when you work here you enjoy fabulous views.”

Read more about Cleator Moor in September’s in-cumbria magazine. Click here for the e-mag.