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New business park logs in with first occupier
 Caswell Science and Technology Park in Northamptonshire has got off to a flying start in 2009 by securing its first occupier.
Three other firms are also set to move in later this month, generating a total of 14 jobs on site so far, according to Fasset, which operates Caswell Science and Technology Park near Towcester.
Fasset was awarded a contract three months ago by multi-national company Bookham to breathe new life into the 22-acre site by recycling surplus space into a thriving business hub for small and large firms.
Software developer IT Systems UK is the first to put down roots. Fungai Motezu, 27, from Northampton, and Stephen Harvey, 37, from Milton Keynes, moved into a serviced office on a flexible lease at historic Caswell House after pooling redundancy money and knowledge.
Their expertise enables businesses to monitor and analyse the working hours of employees and contractors, using technologies such as biometric scanning. Clients include nightclubs, supermarket chains, manufacturing plants and a human resources and payroll bureau, amongst others. IT Systems UK also provide Domino Development and hosting. This includes website developments such as Live2Perform.com – developed for an entertainment agency and enables venues to book acts like Cockney sing-a-along stars Chas and Dave and former children's presenter Keith Chegwin.
The firm is renting an office at Caswell House, a former family farm house built for the 4th Duke of Grafton in 1839. Newly refurbished, the property has 16 ready-to-use offices with 32 work stations and, unusually for serviced offices, en-suite baths in some rooms.
Mr Motezu said: “Caswell, a half-way point between our homes, is an ideal business hub for us. The flexible lease and sensible rent, plus all the support facilities Fasset has brought in, means it is spot on for our needs. Working out of a historic country house, with sweeping views of the countryside, also proved a big draw.”
Diane Partington, Fasset’s on-site sales executive, said:
“I’ve been swamped with genuine enquiries since the launch, which shows the economic slump isn’t having all its own way, and three other small firms are poised to move in later this month (JAN). That means nearly a third of the original offices available at Caswell House are already let and set to generate revenue and at least 14 jobs on site.”
She added: “We’ve stated publicly that we want to see up to 500 jobs at Caswell over time, as there are also other larger offices, workshops and laboratory space available for occupation on flexible, competitive leases.”
Bookham’s Steve Reilly, vice-president of operations at Caswell, said: “Fasset has got Caswell off to a flying start for 2009, and we warmly welcome IT Systems UK and the three other impending occupiers.”
Bookham carries out a combination of manufacturing and research and development at Caswell, where 120 staff are based. The original buildings could accommodate more than 800. The global company designs, manufactures and sells optical components and sub-systems for hi-tech broadband communications. Caswell House will appeal to the professional services in particular, such as IT firms, solicitors, accountants and financial advisors. A further 4,300 sq ft at the adjacent Stable Block, also Grade II-listed, will be given over to fully managed offices. Two standalone units, 6,100 sq ft each, are also available. Fasset will also be letting 22,000 sq ft of wet and dry laboratory space – believed to be the only ones of their kind in a 40-mile radius.
www.itsystemsuk.ltd.uk
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