A new workspace in Somerset is set to open after a four-month delay due to what its owners called the “lasting effects of Covid and Brexit".
Frome-based office management firm Forward Space and Bristol-based design studio Shape, have renovated the Grade II-listed Collar Factory building in Taunton, a former Victorian textiles warehouse.
Located on St Augustine Street close to the County Ground, the home of Somerset County Cricket Club, the facility will begin hosting businesses from next week (May 3).
Forward Space chief executive Gavin Eddy explained the opening, previously scheduled for January, had been delayed after the project was hit by supply chain disruption and rising costs.
Mr Eddy said: “We have definitely felt the lasting effects of Covid and Brexit throughout the build at Collar Factory.
“A slowing of goods and materials moving globally has had a cumulative effect for us and, more recently, things like glazing and sanitaryware produced in Eastern Europe has obviously slowed dramatically too. Coupled with a shortage of labour has made for some challenging months.
“The backlog of infrastructure works nationally has meant that things like utilities connections have been hugely delayed as the necessary roadworks just aren't getting done to schedule too.”
Mr Eddy added that the energy crisis was also having a “massive effect” on its business, and said its new supplier had quoted prices almost 4000% higher than its existing contracts at its other properties in its portfolio.
BusinessLive has contacted the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for comment.
Forward Space currently has coworking buildings in Frome and in Bristol, including Boxworks in Bristol’s Temple Quarter and Framework on King Street. The company is currently converting a former quayside boat shed in Exeter, scheduled for launch later this year.
The company said it had already let around half of the available workspace at the Collar Factory - based on total forecasted revenue for the building.
Occupants include businesses from the technology, healthcare and professional services industries, such as national professional body The Society of Local Council Clerks.
Forward Space added that two front-of-house roles created to help run the facility had been filled.
Mr Eddy added: “Taunton is an exciting town with a lot of entrepreneurial spirit and it has been such a privilege to meet some fascinating businesses during the build. Now we can’t wait to have them join us and to see the building come alive once again as a modern workspace.”
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