ONE year on from its opening, Kendal’s business hub has been hailed as a success.

The Mintworks opened its doors on November 27 last year and it looks like it will turn a £4,000 profit.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron said that it had been an ‘ambitious decision’ by the council that had brought ‘real benefit to the area’.

“The success of the Mintworks enterprise centre over the last year has vindicated the Lib Dem-run council’s decision to back it. Not only does it help to support local business, it is even turning a profit,” Mr Farron said. “There is a real entrepreneurial buzz in the South Lakes, helping to provide jobs and for local people and boost the local economy.”

South Lakeland District Council decided to invest in the Mintworks enterprise centre as part of their work to support start-ups and small businesses in the area.

The building had previously stood empty for years. Mintworks provides affordable premises for small businesses while they are getting established, after which they will move on to larger premises where they can grow.

The building is currently full with 11 businesses based there, employing twenty seven people. A wide variety of businesses are based at the hub, ranging from a web animation company through to a sub-sea contractor.

Graham Vincent, economy portfolio holder for SLDC said: “Mintworks Business Hub is a significant development that fills a space not occupied by the private sector.

“The range of current business occupants is very encouraging as all of these sectors provide higher value employment. I am looking forward to the first business needing to move into larger premises, as we currently have a healthy waiting list.

“This is further evidence that South Lakeland has a strong entrepreneurial business culture. I wish all of our occupants every success in their business lives.”