Ellis Brooke, created by directors Jemil Antoni and Paul Bunting, moved into the centre in September 2023, occupying a 148 sq ft small office space as a startup estate agency.

The business began with just the two directors working all hours and that graft has been rewarded by growth. They took on another staff member last year and are now in the process of recruiting another, having moved into a larger unit, 376 sq ft, this summer. 

Jemil and Paul have been in estate agency since 2007, with Paul having worked in conveyancing before then. That experience and knowledge is now paying off, both for the business and their clients in the community in and around Rugby.

“We heard about the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre from one of our shareholders who had used the facilities in the past and it has proved to be the perfect base,” said Jemil. “The first unit that we occupied was an ideal starting point for just the two of us and now that the business has grown so quickly we are moving to a bigger unit within the centre as we are currently looking for a fourth team member to join us.

“The business centre gives us everything we need and more. There is a great sense of community, especially with certain events organised throughout the year, for example at Christmas. But on a day-to-day basis the centre has a really positive vibe. The reception team here is a huge support for us - frankly, they are vital to our day-to-day working.”

A range of office/light industrial units is available at the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre, from 148 sq ft to 220 sq ft up to the centre’s biggest internal unit at 757 sq ft. Units are available there and at sites all across the region so please visit Warwickshire Business Centres for more details.

Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Cllr Rob Howard, said: “Our business centres across the county are a big component of the business support that we provide and it is great to hear that the Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre has proved such a perfect base for Ellis Brooke.

“That is exactly what our business centres aim to do, provided a springboard for people like Jemil and Paul, with their skills and ideas and hard work, to start, establish and grow their businesses to help support local communities and strengthen the local economy.”