The new £1.6 million Barle Enterprise Centre in Dulverton is officially opening next week. The event marks the beginning of a huge economic boost to West Somerset and the culmination of a successful partnership between Somerset County Council and West Somerset Council.

Graham Watson MEP will open the centre at a special event taking place on 9 June. He will be joined by representatives from Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, Exmoor National Park Authority, the Government Office for the South West, Dulverton Town Council and the Somerset Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with the businesses that have decided to make the Barle Enterprise Centre their home.

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Six businesses have already moved in, including South West Wood Fuels Ltd, who provide an advisory service for renewable energy and wood fuel. Director Mark Weatherlake, said: “We are very pleased to be involved with the Barle Enterprise Centre. The buildings are light, airy and a pleasant environment to work in. The unit suits a small business such as ours and environmental considerations are a plus.”

The businesses are a mixture of local companies needing more space and new ones that have taken the opportunity to move into the area.

The Barle Enterprise Centre began construction in July 2007, after Somerset County Council successfully secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It has facilities for up to twelve small or medium sized businesses and is expected to provide the base for at least 30 jobs. The Centre cost £1.6 million to develop, with £480,000 coming from Somerset County Council, £320,000 from West Somerset Council and £800,000 from the ERDF.

(JM)