THE new business units at Teignmouth’s Broadmeadow are being heralded as a great success.

Estuary Court was completed a year ago, and all are now occupied, providing new jobs and a boost to the local economy.

The whole of the Broadmeadow area has been rejuvenated after a multi-million pound deal by Teignbridge council with Morrisons, that also included the provision of new sports pitches on a former rubbish tip, and improved roads and cycle and pedestrian paths.

Cllr Doug Hellier Laing, the Teignbridge executive member for economy, skills and tourism, said:

‘Not only has Teignbridge helped new businesses get off the ground, it has also helped create new jobs at existing local businesses.

‘It is so encouraging to hear the positive stories from the companies at Estuary Court.

‘It really does highlight what a forward-thinking scheme this was.

‘Teignbridge is committed to encouraging new businesses to the district and helping existing businesses grow, by investing money in new commercial and industrial estates and buildings, and opening up opportunities for more jobs.’

Businesses on the estate renting the units report they are experiencing high levels of growth:

Jamie Spencer of Mi-build, said: ‘This location is one hundred per cent better than our previous one in Plymouth. All our staff moved with us and our turnover has doubled since we moved. Moving here has given us more confidence and business is now booming.’

For Gary Richards, of Teign Plastics, opening their second branch gave access to an untapped market in the area.

‘We’re expanding and we’ve doubled our workforce since we moved. We also have a great network here and many of us do business with each other.

John Pavey, of J P Heating, emphasised they were a local company, living and working in the town, which kept the money in the local economy, benefiting local people.’

And Ian Boyne, from ICOM, was pleased that moving had reduced their sites from three to one, and business had grown. They were now employing two extra staff, and all eight of the workforce lived locally.

Matt Morley, of Teign View Electrical Supplies, said starting a new business could be a daunting prospect, ‘But the affordable rent and the new premises, meant it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I knew that if I didn’t start my own business here then someone else would jump in.

‘The affordable rent is one of the key factors as it allows my pricing to be competitive due to reduced overheads. There is no immediate competition because the businesses are different trades. The court is attractive because it’s a ‘one stop shop’ for services. I’m enjoying being my own boss.’

Alex White, from Classic Plating, was previously working from a garage at home, and now had room to expand.

Ian Butland, of Doorstuff, moved from Newton Abbot for more space, stockroom and efficiency. They had grown and taken on three more staff.

Long established Sleeman & Hawken, which sells diesel engines and spare parts to customers around the world, has also taken on two more staff.

The boss, Keith Mason, revealed they also helped customers with quirkier orders.

One, in Kenya, wanted 100 golf balls sent four times a year sent with his parts orders.

‘A customer from The Gambia came for a few days, and bought a fairly old BMW. He asked for it to be refitted in leather, which we later shipped out to him.

‘He also wanted as many bicycles as possible, so we rang around all the local police stations, and filled a container load of over 100 stolen and recovered bikes.’

Other firms have also taken on more staff – two at Mark Proctor Flooring, and four at furniture importer Importas.