Start-up companies take on space at business park
Asli Gokturk and Adem Garip of Heart and Soul Nuts. - Credit: Heart and Soul Nuts
In a year which has proved especially challenging for businesses across Havering, some of the borough's start-ups have been flourishing.
Heart and Soul Nuts is one of a number of companies taking up a lease at Segro Business Park Rainham's innovation business centre, having started out making peanut butter at home.
It offers space of up to 1,500 sq ft and was designed specifically to provide room for businesses in the early stages of operation.
The food company's director Adem Garip said: “As demand increased, we realised we needed a larger and more flexible space.
“Segro has been extremely flexible and welcomed us to the premises within a very short period of time. We have been very happy since moving into this brilliant workspace, which has enabled us to seamlessly run our business.
“We now operate out of a clean, workable area and at a convenient location, which is helpfully close to the London market.”
And as companies such as Adem's move into one of the business centre's 26 units, others move out - in the case of Mount Valley Beverages, because even more space is needed.
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The drinks company has grown during its time at Segro, and now occupies a space in the venue's enterprise business centre, offering units of up to 3,000 sq ft.
Managing director Mohammed Ali said: “When we first moved to the innovation business centre, we had launched just one flavour.
"Our business has now grown, with four new flavours available to the market and we are looking to expand the range further.
“The location is ideal for our logistics with easy access to the UK market via the road and motorway network.”
Alan Holland, Segro's managing director for Greater London, explained why the site would be attractive to businesses such as Heart and Soul Nuts and Mount Valley Beverages.
He said: “Location and quality of workspace are important factors in determining the success of any small business in its formative years, so the Enterprise Quarter at Segro Park Rainham provides a compelling proposition for local start-ups and SMEs.
“Listening to the customer, understanding their business and ultimately helping them grow is at the heart of our customer approach.”