Bus station-turned-business hub just the ticket

A once-derelict bus station transformed into a businesses hub is continuing to provide "critical" support for start-up ventures as it marks its fifth anniversary.

After decades standing empty, the building in Whitehaven, Cumbria, underwent a multimillion-pound refit to offer work spaces alongside mentoring and access to regional and national development programmes.

Retaining its name as a reminder of its past, the Bus Station has also won a number of national awards.

Clyne Albertelli, who launched his company Co-Lab in 2022 and now has a team of nine, said the facility had been instrumental in helping him navigate several "daunting" challenges.

The 29-year-old worked in the nuclear supply chain at the nearby Sellafield plant before setting up his strategy and performance firm.

"The initial intent was just to have a space I could call home, but then I saw the broader range of support that was available too," Albertelli explained.

"There's a connection with people who are a few steps ahead and can give you advice on starting and scaling a business.

"It's absolutely critical to have something like that, especially in an area like west Cumbria that's particularly rural and has a low number of start-ups."

Albertelli said Co-Lab and his two technology "spin-off" companies had been able to access more than £1m in funding through the hub.

The site's transformation cost £8.2m, with £5.4m coming from Sellafield Limited and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

The building is owned and operated by social impact developer BEC, which also provides business support to occupants.

A hospitality venue on the ground floor is operated by a third party.

BEC chief executive Michael Pemberton described the property before the construction works as a "shell".

"The big arched wall was propped up by steel rods because there was a genuine fear it was going to cave in," he said.

"We wanted to restore the building to its former glory to give people pride in where they live and, secondly, to make it work for the communities we're serving.

"We've tried to create an ecosystem so there's admin support, legal support, HR support, marketing and access to finance - everything you could need to launch a business.

"More importantly, we stay with them on their journey and when they're ready to move on, we help them find a new HQ."

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