A flurry of new tenants and expansion of resident businesses has resulted in 87 per cent of rentable managed office space at The Hive, North Somerset's business development centre, being let, less than three years after opening.

Officially opened in July 2014 by North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), a not-for-profit organisation with social objectives, to support the launch, development and success of start-up and growing local businesses, The Hive offers 23,000 sq. ft. of rentable, managed workspace in an energy-efficient and sustainable three-storey building.

To make having an office flexible and uncomplicated, it offers easy-in and easy-out terms, dedicated and secure broadband, a friendly well-managed business reception and a host of additional services for its tenants. Non-tenants can also use the centre for virtual offices, hot desks and meeting rooms, with an Express Business Lounge rentable by the day or hour.

A diverse range of businesses including innovative mobile-focused digital agency Authentic Digital, structural and civil engineering practice DHD Structures, website design and e-commerce specialist Iconography and 1K1, a one-stop shop for electrical installations, fire safety and security solutions, have all moved into The Hive, located in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area close to Weston-super-Mare, in recent months. An office share scheme launched last year to enable smaller firms to "co-habit" and enjoy lower rental costs has also proved successful, with several firms having progressed into their own office space.

Meanwhile growing tenant businesses including QED Advanced Systems, whose Resource Xpress 'Room and Resource' booking application is used by some of the world's largest and most prestigious organisations and Green Frog Connect, which designs and build high-voltage connections to the national electricity grid and which has recently been lauded as Britain's eighteenth fastest growing firm in theSunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table, have both taken extra office space within The Hive.

Thirty-two tenants are now physically based in the building, with a further 27 companies using the centre as a virtual office. The centre is also regularly employed by a wide range of external businesses and organisations for its meeting space and conference facilities and by new and smaller enterprises for the on-site business advice available from NSEA.

2017 is a year of consolidation for The Hive's busy community, says Rob Hicks from the business development team.

"We are thrilled that less than three years on from being a new build business centre, we are now an exciting, dynamic and close-knit business community." says Rob. "We have an amazing array of businesses here from new start-ups to fast growing enterprises. This presents superb opportunities for networking and collaboration and with monthly "by the tenants, for the tenants" breakfast events, regular meeting opportunities and communal areas that encourage informal discussions, advice sharing and information exchanges, we are already seeing close working, cross-trading and referrals between tenants.

"Our aim is to continue creating new opportunities for more business people to join us for events and to see and interact with The Hive's businesses. We will also be celebrating the success and growth of our tenants both internally and externally, as we are incredibly proud to watch - and play a small part in - their achievements."

For Will Jeffries, Director of Authentic Digital, The Hive's reputation persuaded the company to relocate there when it outgrew its previous office space. "We already used the centre's meeting facilities and feedback from tenants we spoke with was so overwhelmingly positive there was no question of us not moving here!" says Will. "Relocating to The Hive has been a breath of fresh air with a terrific impact on staff and our wider team. Our clients enjoy coming here because it is easy to get to, professional and has excellent facilities and support. It is always a pleasure to come to work."

DHD Structures became a virtual tenant in October 2015, three months after its business start-up. Having office-shared for most of last year, the company has since moved into its own offices. "Being in a building with other start-ups and having opportunities to network with them and share problems and advice over a coffee has been invaluable." says Director Duncan Hill. "We work close to home in a professional atmosphere, with excellent transport links and helpful support from The Hive's team. With the business growing faster than planned, we are reaping the benefits."

For Wayne Robbins, Director of Iconography, who relocated from another serviced office environment, The Hive has numerous positives.

"When we moved, we wanted a local base, modern open plan offices and a vibrant and colourful environment. The Hive delivers all this and much more, with fantastic facilities and many opportunities to meet with other tenants. It feels like the right place to be."

"The Hive has the potential to support our growth," agrees Mark Davis of 1K1. "It gives us the professional backbone we need to progress and, looking forward, we plan to expand our use of the facilities in the year ahead."

More information on The Hive can be found at https://thehiveweston.org.uk/ or call 0800 083 3093