Fenland District Council s Open for Business agenda is certainly bearing fruit in Chatteris, with the South Fens Business Centre now fully occupied exactly two years after it was opened. The council owns and operates the business centre, which has 45 sepa

Fenland District Council's Open for Business agenda is certainly bearing fruit in Chatteris, with the South Fens Business Centre now fully occupied exactly two years after it was opened.

The council owns and operates the business centre, which has 45 separate units offering a range of managed office space for start-ups and more established businesses.

The 100 per cent occupancy rate is living proof that the co-ordinated policy and strategy for attracting knowledge-based businesses to the Fens is working. The success of the strategy is set to be boosted still further when The Boathouse business centre, sister to the South Fens Business Centre, opens in Wisbech next year as part of the multi-million pound award-winning Nene Waterfront Regeneration Project.

For several years Fenland's Open For Business agenda has focused on broadening the economic base of Fenland away from low wage industries to knowledge-based businesses. As part of that agenda,Fenland last year re-aligned its economic aspirations towards Cambridge as part of a strategy to offer the hi-tech businesses which struggle to find suitable and affordable accommodation in the city, with more cost-effective options with room to grow in Fenland. The 100 per cent occupancy in the Chatteris business centre is proof that this strategy is working successfully.

Cllr Alan Melton, portfolio holder for economic and business development, said: "The economic future for Fenland looks bright. I am delighted that our South Fens Business Centre is now full. It shows our aspirations are bearing fruit. When The Boathouse comes on stream next autumn, it will provide another major shot in the arm to the economy of Fenland.