Growth
The 2017 Grassland and Muck Show was held at Stoneleigh in May
Stoneleigh ’ s central location , history of knowledge transfer and ongoing transformation make it a powerful draw
the ideal location to bring together its six divisions to one location . Initially they were temporarily housed in five separate buildings on the estate . Once construction of the new HQ had been completed , they were able to come together under one roof for the first time in AHDB ’ s drive to be a more effective organisation . LaSalle worked with AHDB to design a landmark building that reflected the organisation ’ s needs and complemented the rural setting .
Stoneleigh Park ’ s central location , history of knowledge transfer and ongoing transformation make it a powerful draw for organisations within the agricultural , horticultural , equine and rural industries .
Coventry and Warwickshire is a dynamic and buoyant business region in the centre of the country , and has several science parks servicing particular needs . But ours offers something completely different with its distinct rural setting and land-based legacy .
The recently-launched National Land Based College and the Association of Drainage Authorities are among new tenants drawn to Stoneleigh Park , partly thanks to it being home to a cluster of some of the most influential bodies representing the rural economy , including RASE , the National Farmers ’ Union ( NFU ) and AHDB , and partly because of the creative and supportive atmosphere generated by the park ’ s environment and the on-site management team .
These new occupants sit alongside other major national names such as GEA Farm Technologies , The Pony Club , and
Lantra , together with smaller , local businesses , giving the estate a unique mix . Among them is Farmers Fayre , a thriving family-run farm shop and kitchen which LaSalle has recently supported with a move into bigger premises . Working very closely with the directors of Farmers Fayre , the refurbishment of a derelict building was carefully planned so it would suit their business needs . The result has been very successful , with the enterprise becoming a focal hub on the park and justifying a further extension to the premises , which opened in October .
Rural Innovation Centre The creation of the Rural Innovation Centre has been another of our major successes , and a perfect example of partnering with several key stakeholders , with the aim of boosting small and startup businesses in rural Warwickshire . A team made up of RASE , Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Warwickshire County Council ( WCC ) recognised the need to create an environment to help rural-based startups and young companies . It successfully applied to DEFRA for funding under the Rural Growth Network ( RGN ) programme and was one of only five successful bids across the country . The Rural Innovation Centre was a main pillar of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network .
The project was partly funded by DEFRA , and initially administered by WCC on behalf of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership . LaSalle took a redundant building on the estate and refurbished
it to create the perfect business incubation environment with a suite of serviced offices , all with high-speed broadband and available on flexible letting packages to allow companies to grow at their own pace . The tenants also had the opportunity to take business advice and support offered by WCC and its partners in the RGN .
Since being launched in September 2013 , the Rural Innovation Centre has twice been expanded to meet continuing demand , with the latest extension having been completed in the autumn .
LaSalle has invested a total of around £ 1.3m in the overall project , which has seen the centre grow from 16 to 45 offices and so far provided a base for around 70 businesses from a wide range of industry sectors .
A working Partnership It has been a great example of partnership working . Private and public sector companies and organisations
60 | UKSPA breakthrough | winter 2017