THE first two companies have moved into the South Fens Enterprise Park, ahead of the official opening of its latest extension tomorrow.

Both have transferred there from the original South Fens Business Centre, having outgrown the facilities there.

The Enterprise Park comprises the eight extra units built on the site at South Fens over the past two years. All the units offer offices and warehouse space and provide ideal facilities for small companies needing to expand.

Fenland District Council has invested more than �800,000 to help build the extension. It has also secured further funding from Cambridgeshire County Council and the East of England Development Agency.

Connett Cable moved into one of the new units last month. It was followed last week by Prodir, which distributes quality, Swiss-made pens throughout the UK.

Connett Cable works on the Virgin Media network and services other companies in the south and east.

Les Connett, its managing director, said: “I started the business three years ago from home, then we got a small office at South Fens. But the business has been expanding very fast and we desperately needed more storage space. We’ve got that here.

“Also, I know the people on the main reception at South Fens will look after us well and we’ve got the use of the meeting rooms there.”

Similar factors prompted Prodir’s transfer. The company moved to South Fens from King’s Lynn last year with a view to expanding as soon as the bigger units became available.

Karen Hughes, its managing director, said: “Originally we were thinking of moving to Cambridge but South Fens was more cost-effective and better placed for our operation. This new unit gives us the space we need.

“Also, the in-site services here are perfectly suited to our occasional needs for larger meeting rooms and catering and the support from the in-house team is always professional and flexible.”

Councillor Chris Seaton, FDC’s portfolio holder responsible for economic and business development, said: “These units will help to fill a gap that exists in Fenland. We have had adequate provision in terms of office space for small businesses and land for large factories but there has been a shortage of medium-sized ‘move-on’ space for businesses that want to expand but stay in the area.”

Councillor Alan Melton, FDC’s Leader, said: “Attracting new businesses and enabling existing ones to grow is a key part of our core strategy for the next 20 years.

“Our investment in South Fens demonstrates our firm commitment to achieving those goals.”

• To view the new units, call Richard Adam at Barker Storey Matthews on 01480 451578 or e-mail rha@bsm.uk.com