LIFESTYLE - SUMMER 2017

BUSINESS HEROES...

THE GLOBE CENTRE

Interview by Sarah Rigg

ACCRINGTON

It is 21 years since the birth of Globe Enterprises Ltd... an entrepreneurial partnership between businessman Stuart Nevison, Barnfield Construction Ltd and Hyndburn Borough Council. Their story starts with a breathtakingly brave renovation of a vast industrial site which lay in ruins and continues today with a portfolio of thriving office, manufacturing and leisure spaces located across Hyndburn. The partnership’s first and flagship venture was the Globe Centre which blossomed from the iconic remains of the mighty Howard & Bullough site. Today the Globe Centre thrives as a business hub and home to dozens of companies both large and small with office space available from 219 to 2744 square feet. Inside tenants enjoy the use of five conferencing rooms (also available to hire for non-tenants), onsite catering and a gigantic car park, all within a heartbeat of the local train and bus stations. Inside this magnificent space, modernity meets heritage. There are 32 rooms – or business units – with huge windows, vaulted ceilings and restored cast iron beams and pillars, locking in all the historic architectural charm of this beautiful building. It was quite a different story in 1996 as Stuart Nevison, the Chairman of Globe Enterprises Ltd recalls: “I remember quite clearly the first time I walked into the abandoned building. “It was obviously massive - this had been where Howard & Bullough designed, manufactured, engineered and exported mill equipment to the entire world.” In the prime of its business life, Howard & Bullough was a key player in the industrial revolution and housed more than six and a half thousand employees in the building – all who were paid cash from a giant walk-in safe which was discovered during the renovation. “The safe was massive,” adds Stuart. “Just like the building itself. There were over a million square feet of floor space here. Many areas of the buildings were semi- derelict, certain parts like the main part of the building here had a great appeal with the stone façade on the other side of the property and there was a determination to try to save this main building.” As one of Hyndburn’s earliest business centres offering rented space, the Globe Centre is a three-way venture between the private and public sector with Stuart, the borough and Barnfield Construction Ltd., all being equal shareholders. Adds Stuart: “Globe Enterprises came into being aer I ended up with the old Howard & Bullough site and didn't know what could be done with it. “I met with TimWebber from Barnfield and Hyndburn Borough Council who had ideas of a business centre, and all our thoughts were pooled.” For the construction coalition, there were no other local business centres on which they could base their market research. In short, they didn’t have a clue if there was a demand for what they were planning to build!

The onsite facilities are perfect for our needs and all the staff go out of their way to help in a friendly and professional manner

Main: • The Globe Centre. Inset: • Entrance. • Conference Room. Above: • Stuart Nevison. • Nikki Holbrook. • Reception.

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