The Food Enterprise Centre on Battlefield Enterprise Park in Shrewsbury was today officially open for business after the first tenants took possession of their unit.

Bacchus Bespoke Event Caterers is operating from brand-new facilities on the edge of Shrewsbury, and catered for an event for 200 people only four days after they had moved in.

A second tenant is in advance negotiations with the Shropshire Food Enterprise Centre and will join Bacchus Bespoke Event Caterers at the centre soon.

Stefan Davies, owner of Bacchus Bespoke Event Caterers, said: “Being the first tenant in the building is exciting, and hopefully we won’t be on our own for too long once companies see the amazing facilities available here.”

Located on a 24-acre site on Battlefield Enterprise Park, the Food Enterprise Centre houses 12 production units for both start-up and developing food and drink businesses. It provides affordable units to rent without the initial expense of converting premises for food and drink use.

The centre is a jointly funded project between Shropshire Council and Advantage West Midlands.

David Roberts, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for local environment and economy, said: “The opening of the centre is great for the West Midlands region and fantastic news for Shropshire. Our aim is that Shropshire becomes the centre for food and drink enterprise within the region and this magnificent facility is a step in the right direction towards achieving this. Its opening is great for our economy and should provide an influx of great food and drink businesses into Shropshire.”

Mark Pearce, AWM corporate director for economic regeneration, said: “This is a key project which will develop businesses, networks and collaboration to grow the sector. It offers great opportunities for start-up businesses, with excellent quality premises at affordable rates together with expert advice and practical help on the doorstep.”

There are a further ten units available at the Food Enterprise Centre for immediate occupancy. In other areas of the country where food enterprise centres have been developed the units have been occupied quickly and some even have waiting lists of tenants.

l Businesses interested in viewing the units should visit www.shropshirefoodcentre.co.uk or call 01743 252274 for more details.