One of Market Harborough’s leading technology companies has hailed its recent move to the Harborough Innovation Centre as ‘a roaring success’!

ICON, who designed and continue to develop the unique ICON web-based information management system for clients including John Lewis, Asda and Boots, chose to relocate to the Centre on the town’s Airfield Business Park in November after being impressed by its wide range of facilities, helpful staff and flexible working space.

Sandra Lovelock, Company Secretary, explained: “During our search for new premises, we felt that the Innovation Centre really stood out because it offered the quality offices that we needed, the flexibility to meet the needs of the company’s expansion plans and had a great team behind it.

“What was also important to us was that it had excellent parking facilities for our fourteen-strong staff and, as we are currently recruiting to our team, we felt that this could be a bonus for attracting new people. We’ve now been here for three months, and the Centre has more than met our expectations,” she said.

ICON is also learning that the benefits of being based at the purpose-built, fully-serviced Centre are many and varied, as Sandra added “The on-site conference facilities are fantastic as you might expect, but it’s the little details like not having to worry about the milk running out or the radiators not working which make day to day company life just so much smoother!”.

“Plus this building is filled with businesses with such a diverse range of skills it means that should we require a particular area of expertise, we need only to wander down the corridor to find it. Indeed we’re already in discussion with one or our neighbours about some partnership work, so it couldn’t be more convenient,” she enthused.

Harborough Innovation Centre, which is owned by Harborough District Council, was set up to act as a thriving hub for local businesses to launch, innovate and grow. It hosts 53 offices and three studios and its resident entrepreneurs deal in everything from drainage and design, to prunes, property, recruitment and IT.

Senior Centre Manager, Mick Judge, said: “We’re delighted that ICON chose the Centre for its relocation. It’s a move which demonstrates that we are the ideal venue to help local companies have the space and confidence to launch and innovate or, as in ICON’s case, expand and recruit. As they look to take on additional staff, we can support them with the space, coaching and expert guidance they may need, just as we can for any firm looking to follow in their footsteps.

“In just eighteen months we have created a thriving, corporate community and a Centre buzzing with potential and ambition.”

Harborough Innovation Centre was made possible thanks to a £200,000 investment by Harborough District Council, which in turn led to £4million of European funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Councillor Mike Rook, Leader of Harborough District Council, commented: “As one of Harborough’s home-grown success stories, it would have been a considerable loss to the local economy, not to mention employment prospects, if ICON had chosen to move away. Their decision to remain here in the town is testament to the excellence of the Centre, Mick and his staff, so if you haven’t done so already, we would urge you to pop in and see this thriving Centre for yourself.”

Harborough Innovation Centre is managed by Oxford Innovation, which operates a network of 21 business and innovation centres across the country, providing office and laboratory space for over 500 businesses. Occupiers benefit from flexible letting arrangements and a range of support through Oxford Innovation, which includes funding assistance through business angel investment networks, mentoring and networking events.

Call in and see the Centre for yourself. Or find out more by calling Senior Centre Manager Mick Judge on 01858 414200 or emailing m.judge@oxin.co.uk www.harborough-ic.co.uk

Meanwhile for more details about ICON’s recruitment opportunities, please visit www.iconuk.net/recruitment or e-mail caroline@iconuk.net