One of the Bridge Innovation Centre’s most successful tenants to date, InSite Technical Services, has praised the facility as an ‘exceptional launch pad’.
The Bridge Innovation Centre (known as the BIC) is a business innovation hub at Pembrokeshire’s Science and Technology Park at Pembroke Dock.
Run by Pembrokeshire County Council as an economic development initiative, the centre provides high-tech offices, workshops and meeting rooms for start-up and small businesses and provides those companies with comprehensive business support.
Currently, the BIC has 100 per cent occupancy, although that is set to change thanks to InSite’s expansion.
InSite, an engineering design and consultancy business was established in January 2015 by six senior staff from Milford Haven refinery following the refinery’s closure the previous month. In just over four years the business has grown to provide work for 60 people and is set to move into larger premises nearby. Their new home at 1 Cleddau Bridge was empty for several years and InSite has refurbished the building in a fast-track project over March and April.
“It’s a positive move for both us and the BIC,”
said Jean Martin, Managing Director of InSite.
“We’re too big for this space now and our move will allow other businesses to benefit from the same supportive environment that we experienced.”
She said the centre was excellent for those embarking on the higher risk course of setting up a business.
“When we started, our focus was on getting our first clients, getting our first work, and then executing and completing that work successfully,”
she said.
“It’s been great not to have to worry about building maintenance, access control, internet provision or emptying skips for our first four and a half years of operation.
“The meeting rooms are fantastic – easy to book and well organised – and it’s a really impressive building. The businesses all benefit from the fact that it’s a professional environment in which to meet clients.”
Jean also paid tribute to the staff at the centre. “The BIC staff have been extremely supportive, kind and professional, which is really important. Whenever we’ve had a problem, they’ve gone out of their way to help, especially Steve Laugharne.”
And she added that she doubted their expansion would have been so rapid had it not been for the centre.
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Pembrokeshire County Council for providing this facility. I don’t think we would have expanded as much as we have without being in the supportive environment of the BIC.”
Steven Jones, Director of Community Services, wished InSite every success in the future.
“InSite have proved our model for how the BIC works. They started off in one small office, then moved into larger spaces as the company grew. Now they are ready and able to ‘leave home’ and move into their own dedicated premises. This is fantastic for InSite and I am confident they will continue to go from strength to strength,”
he said.
He added that they were among several dynamic and innovative businesses on the site, including AmSpec Services who are establishing their European Headquarters in the BIC, and the £1m turnover company Murftech.
Dr Jones also urged any start-up or small businesses interested in developing or growing their platform to consider visiting the BIC to see whether it might be suitable for them, or getting in touch to discuss their requirements.
“Together with our partners the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire College, we can provide a high-quality environment to set up or grow your business, together with a programme of support and advice,”
he said.
The BIC is located at the Pembrokeshire Science and Technology Park, Pembroke Dock. For further information, please contact the Council’s business support team: Tony Streatfield on 01437 776166, Michelle Francis on 01437 776167 or contact the Bridge Innovation Centre on 01646 689200 (bridgeinnovation.co.uk)
