A LEADING Ulverston company hopes its new rural growth hub will pave the way for a brighter future for Cumbrian businesses.

The Duchess of Northumberland officially opened the Marl Hub on Friday in front of a range of high-profile invited guests.

Based on Marl Business Park, where pioneering LED lighting company Marl International operates, the hub offers 12 high quality suites with top-of-the-range features for rent.

“It’s all about bringing construction, connectivity and confidence to the countryside,” said managing director Adrian Rawlinson.

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“These offices are ideal for high technology companies and professional services.

“We are on the cusp of a fantastic opportunity to develop sustainable local supply chains but that opportunity will pass quickly if we don’t grasp it.”

The hub is the second to be built in Cumbria and follows on from April’s opening at the Ambleside campus of the University of Cumbria.

The first tenants, Cresatech, moved in on the day of opening.