A director of a global supplier of commodity and specialty chemical products has praised the business support provided by Central Bedfordshire Council as a “key factor” in his company’s relocation to smart new offices on Eden Brae Business Park in Caddington.

Opes International Ltd specialise in the sales, marketing and distribution of chemical and raw material products to several industries, but required more space to accommodate their growing business and a five-strong, but expanding team, which had been based in Hertfordshire. 
With help from commercial agents Lambert Smith Hampton, they found new offices at Eden Brae Business Park, which has a range of offices from 1,600 sq ft to 8,900 sq ft and has attracted other businesses to relocate to Central Bedfordshire.

Once the new premises had been identified, Opes were introduced to the Business Investment Team at Central Bedfordshire Council, who were able to provide a range of information and support to help make the move as smooth as possible.

A key part of that support was the reduction in their business rates for the first six months, via Central Bedfordshire Council’s Business Support and Growth Fund.
Neil Dudman, a Director at Opes International Ltd, said: “As a small business looking to expand from being based at home and move into new offices, the grant provided by Central Bedfordshire Council to reduce our business rates in the first year was a key factor in our decision to move from Hertfordshire into Central Bedfordshire. The support provided by the council has been very refreshing and we are looking forward to growing our business further with their support.”

Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We're always keen to attract successful small and medium-sized enterprises to the area. We have a range of attractive packages to support businesses every step of the way and help ensure they thrive and grow."
For further details on the Business Support and Growth Fund and a range of other support services the Council can provide, visit: www.becentralbedfordshire.co.uk

Photo: The team at Opes