New business club launched in Alcester
A new business club has been launched at Minerva Mill in Alcester, Minerva Business Exchange (“MBE”).
MBE will hold a series of monthly events from late January 2015, with topics including a mix of practical business ideas (social media, SEO etc.), social (wine appreciation) and entertaining (including caricatures). Guests are also invited to contribute their ideas on future subjects.
MBE will offer a range of benefits to members, including discounted meeting rooms and secretarial services, free use of the business lounge (The Bubble), free Wi-Fi and discounted food and drink from the on-site facility Nino’s Kitchen.
Minerva Mill is home to 30 companies, including nationally known businesses such as the National Trust (where it is a regional hub), Helping Hands, Cal Gavin, Bodhi and CAB. In addition, there are a large range of smaller businesses covering such professions as accountants, designers, book publishers and holiday villas. In addition to office space, it also offers hot desks and telephone and post facilities for virtual tenants.
The building itself was formerly known as Minerva Works and was primarily built as a needle mill. It has subsequently been used to manufacture a range of products including golf balls, ironing boards and automotive products until current owners Impetus Limited acquired the site in 1998.
Under the leadership of Martin Gough (pictured), the building has been transformed into small units providing workshop and office space. It has been granted Grade 2 listing and an architectural award by the Alcester Civic society was in recognition of outstanding innovation of new ideas yet keeping the character of the building unimpaired.