An expanding Cumbrian firm hopes to be a “shining light” for other local start-ups after relocating to a new home.
MissionCX has just moved to Westlakes Science Park after completing a successful tenure at Barclays Eagle Labs Cumbria in the Bus Station redevelopment in Whitehaven.
The former bus station closed in 2002 but was brought back into community use by regeneration company BEC in a £6.1m development with funding from Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority,
The premises, which reopened last year, have been transformed into flexible office space and is home to Barclays Eagle Labs Cumbria and restaurant The Peddler.
MissionCX moved into the Bus Station in June and has expanded at such a pace that it has just completed a move to bigger premises in Westlakes Science Park, which is also owned by BEC.
Managing director Ben Slater said: “Hopefully we can be a shining light for other local start-ups and micro small and medium-sized enterprises.
“We demonstrate that there are companies around that can support you on that journey as your business grows.
“We have forged this exciting pathway from the new and vibrant facility at The Bus Station to an almost ready-made move on space here at Westlakes, a beautiful and fantastic estate.
“We hope the move will aid further growth with our existing clients and allow us to develop relationships with future clients.”
MissionCX, which ensures projects are commissioned on time and on budget for a diverse portfolio of clients, predominantly in highly regulated industries, has been able to create more jobs locally with the number employed growing significantly in the last year. It offers a wealth of expertise and support for all aspects of commissioning, document control management and IT support services.
It now employs six full time office staff with another 30 staff deployed in the field on various projects.
Eagle Labs Cumbria was the 24th in Barclays’ nationwide network.
It offers co-working, office, and meeting space, plus a space where entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses can access innovative tools, curated events, and the right network to innovate.
Entrepreneurs can also access banking services, business expertise, mentoring and coaching.
Gary McKeating, head of community and development for Sellafield Ltd, said: “This is what the Bus Station and Barclays Eagle Labs is all about; supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs to grow and move on as they prosper. Sellafield Social Impact Multiplied (Six) has funded to see this kind of result and I’m so glad that we have our first move within a year. Here’s to many more in the future.”
Bill Graham, BEC’s head of investments, said: “The success of MissionCX is thoroughly deserved and their move to Westlakes Science Park is a perfect fit for such a dynamic and growing company.
“Their expansion is also a massive indicator that The Bus Station and Barclay’s Eagle Labs is doing what it was set up for, giving a platform and helping hand in the heart of Whitehaven to Cumbria’s brilliant and innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs. I would urge any others considering The Bus Station and Eagle Labs as their home to grab the opportunity with both hands.”
