The King Centre in Barleythorpe has celebrated its first full year as a home for some of Rutland's most innovative local businesses.

The former college site, located just outside Oakham, opened its doors as a fully-serviced business centre for small and medium-sized companies in February 2018.

Twelve months on the centre, which is owned and operated by Rutland County Council, is home to around 30 businesses employing more than 100 staff.

Businesses based at The King Centre generate a combined total of £14.4million for Rutland's local economy, accounting for two percent of all goods and services in the county.

Business owners, staff and Rutland county councillors gathered together at a special event to mark The King Centre's one-year anniversary, last week.

Cllr Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "I know I speak for everyone at Rutland County Council when I say that we are extremely proud of The King Centre and to be playing a small part in helping local businesses to reach their goals.

"Many of the businesses at The King Centre moved here to grow and expand in order to take the next step and, hopefully, become even more successful.

"We want to support all businesses in Rutland and The King Centre is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when innovative companies are given the space and infrastructure they need to put their ideas into practice."

In just one year, The King Centre has reached full occupancy, with all available business space now taken. The latest businesses to move onto the site include Future Marketing, RightClick Recruitment and Jackson Global.

Simon Selkirk, Managing Director of RightClick Recruitment, says: "We're a recruitment company for entrepreneurs and first found out about The King Centre through another business that was already based here.

"It's a really vibrant place with a great energy and a strong sense of community.

"Everything about the centre is extremely professional, from the service provision and internet through to the way that staff here look after the businesses and really value us as customers. It's great to be with other entrepreneurs and business owners, sharing ideas and even supporting each other through our services."

John Leefe, of J P Leefe & Company, adds: "The centre is a really useful asset for Rutland.

"There aren't many serviced offices around in the area and this is exactly what the future represents: small offices for growing companies that can move on when they get bigger.

"You've also got local expertise here. There are companies who specialise in communications, accountancy and recruitment who you can talk to and do business with. Everyone here is of a like mind, which makes it a great place for small companies to grow."

The King Centre provides 12,000sq ft of serviced office space for professional businesses, offering 24-hour secure access, superfast fibre broadband, free Wi-Fi and meeting room hire. There's also has an on-site café, open to the public, as well as business tenants.