Despite a challenging year for business, The Business Centre in Barry is investing and more optimistic than ever. Mark Roberts talks to Centre Manager Lynnette Knight about life.
IN THE ZONE
How's business?
Actually it's very encouraging at the moment. We're enjoying a very high occupancy rate.
Any new tenants?
Yes, we have attracted some national companies such as Bam Nuttal, the Arthritis Research Campaign organisation and UK Car Group that operate one of their very successful branches of 'We Buy Any Car' from The Business Centre.
What do you think is bringing them to The Business Centre?
Clients tell us that serviced offices are ideal for this volatile economic climate as it means they can downsize or increase their office space in an instant depending on how their company is doing. They also save on staff costs as the receptionists at The Business Centre answer their phones for them saving them National Insurance contributions and they don't have the worry of cover for sickness or holidays.
Any exciting new developments?
The Business Centre is constantly looking for ways to improve support and services to our clients and with this in mind we are delighted to announce the opening of our in-house café, The Coffee Zone.
What do you think such a significant capital investment will bring to The Business Centre?
We made this new investment to provide an additional much needed service for not only our clients at The Business Centre but also for their clients who visit them regularly.
So you don't have to be a tenant to use The Coffee Zone?
No, not at all, everyone is welcome. The café is already drawing in members of the public and other businesses from the Ty Verlon Estate who are delighted to have somewhere providing good food and hot drinks in the locality.
Who manages The Coffee Zone?
The Coffee Zone is being run by Dawn Lee and her daughter Paige. Dawn has had over twenty years' experience in the catering trade and is very excited to be involved in this new service at The Business Centre.
What is on offer?
Excellent Segafredo coffee, beautiful freshly made baguettes, paninis and cakes, as well as popular fresh specials such as our now famous chicken curry, pizza, spaghetti bolognaise, hearty soups and stews.
What are the opening times?
Coffee Zone is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday at The Business Centre.
