The history of the business exchange
The Business Exchange is sited in the former Rockingham Road School, built in 1893 and designed by local architect J A Gotch.
The Business Exchange is located in a Grade II listed building situated on the edge of Kettering town centre.
In 1995 Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd acquired the freehold in order to facilitate improvements to their neighbouring store. They marketed the building extensively but without generating any interest.
There was a clear danger that the building would become an eyesore, devaluing the local area in the eyes of residents.
A lack of small business
workspace in Kettering
Research conducted by Kettering Borough Council had established that there was a lack of small workspaces in the central area of Kettering, leading to difficulties in relation to new business creation and employment.
The Single Regeneration Budget bid (government challenge funding) for this area therefore proposed the creation of a one stop shop facility providing training, advice and business support as well as a number of managed workspaces.
Operating as The Business
Exchange since 2000
The property was transferred from Sainsbury's to the Development Trust in July 2000. Following a 12 month renovation programme funded by Single Regeneration Budget, English Partnerships, Sainsbury's and Weetabix, the first tenants took up occupation in October 2000.
Kettering Business Centre Development Trust Limited
KBCDT was formed in December 1999 to own and run the building. The Development Trust Board comprises local business people (accountant, solicitor, surveyor etc) many of whom have been involved since the beginning and all give their time free of charge. As well as being committed to support local businesses they take particular interest in maintaining the fabric of the building and preserving it as a local landmark. The Centre is run by a full time professional Centre Manager.
The property was transferred from Sainsbury's to the Development Trust in July 2000. Following a 12 month renovation programme funded by Single Regeneration Budget, English Partnerships, Sainsbury's and Weetabix, the first tenants took up occupation in October 2000.
