Although this hub of local business is conveniently located in the middle of Hastings, it’s tucked away so that you might not even know it’s there. It boasts an amazing variety of useful businesses and services, more than 30 in total, from young entrepreneurs to established companies. We went to meet some of the community... |
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Hidden behind Morrison’s, just a stone’s throw from Hastings town centre, the Britannia Enterprise Centre is like a well-kept secret. If you’ve never visited, you’d be surprised by how many fascinating and individual services are situated here: car valeting, a crafts supplier, dog grooming, art gallery, recycled wood-yard and celebration cake maker to name a few. No one seems entirely sure of the yard’s history, but the stable doors of the Victorian architecture and wooden cobbles beneath the surface of the ground suggest that horses were the historical residents. For a long time, it’s been owned by the local council. At one point it was the local water sanitation works (hence Waterworks Road), then used to house various council departments. Now it’s managed and let by Henry Gastall and industrious wife Samantha. “When we arrived ten years ago, the place was in a terrible state. It was full of dustbins collecting rainwater from the leaky roofs. We’ve done a huge amount of repairs, guttering, rewiring, patching up the roof, and much general maintenance, while staying sympathetic to the original colours and designs.” Ever with a paintbrush, drill or hammer in hand, Sam talks about their latest projects: “We’re so excited, there’s so much happening down here. We’re revamping a whole range of units which will be ready for new businesses to move in very soon. They’re looking great.” Henry adds: “We’re very village-like here and everyone is willing to help each other. And the café is a great place to catch up on the village gossip!” 
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There are so many different types of business operating from the centre that skills are shared effectively. “People here work hard and have the entrepreneurial spirit,” adds Henry. “We’re a village of visionaries!”
So if you’re looking for a space that’s a little different, pop in and say hello. Read on and find out more... |
Take a tour of the Britannia Enterprise Centre businesses below... |
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Art2Craft If you enjoy crafts, a visit to Lilian and Mark’s studio or website is like a trip to a sweetshop for a child. And best of all, you won’t need more than pocket money to make a purchase! The business has been established five years and the website four months, but already it’s up for an award from Quick and Crafty magazine. There’s a huge variety of beautifully coloured felt shapes (56 shades), embroidery thread, buttons, beads, ribbons, children’s craft kits and favour bags - and much more to discover. Lilian’s always been inspired by antique textiles. “I started sourcing felt in shades other than the usual primary colours. I also work as a demonstrator for Sizzix - one of the USA’s biggest suppliers of craft machinery and materials.” This is a truly fantastic place to start your Christmas shopping - whether you want to make your own presents and cards or give a kit as a gift. Don’t miss out!
ABC Signs Sign Maker Rosemary has been her own boss for six years and has built up the business since she took it over. You’ll find her here six days a week, producing signs we all recognise for major local companies. Her work includes estate agents, taxi drivers, small businesses and tradesmen. Helped part time by her partner John and daughter Kirsty, Rosemary produces both her own original and customers’ designs and is always pleased to give experienced advice. As she’s been working at the Centre for nine years, what does she like about it? “There’s a huge variety of businesses, it has a nice, friendly atmosphere and it’s close to the town centre.” 
Blacksmiths Cafe This is the hub of life in the Britannia Enterprise Centre. You only have to glance inside to see that this is where everyone meets for a brew, good breakfast and a gossip. Owners Gail and Gill - sisters in law - are so friendly and their breakfasts so good in reputation, that their customers come from all over Hastings. “The builders and scaffolders who come in say they get the best breakfast in Hastings here,” says Gail. All their ingredients are good quality: eggs free-range, bread from Wilsons, beans from Heinz! There’s no cheap alternative, but you wouldn’t know it from the prices. They’ve been open two years, both came fresh from the Civil Service to their new venture. Any regrets? “Oh no, definitely not. It’s hard work but we all help each other out here and everyday is sociable.” Open 7.30am-3pm weekdays, 9am-1pm Saturdays
Community Fruit and Veg Project A spin-off of the government’s 5-a-Day campaign, this is an easy, affordable way to get your healthy share of fruit and veg. The project’s been running for four years and relies heavily on volunteers, delivering boxes and bags of raw ingredients to collection points all over town. From as little as £2 a bag or in exchange for Healthy Start vouchers, everyone can enjoy discovering what’s in this week’s seasonal haul. The produce comes with tips and recipes by chef and project manager, Neil, and nearly everything comes from local farms - bar bananas and satsumas! A typical box suitable for a family might contain (during autumn): onions (free every week), potatoes, parsnips, cabbage, swede, chard, carrots, sprouts and a bag of apples. Neil is looking to establish a collection point in St Leonards, so if you’d like to get involved - or want to place an order, give him a call.
The Computer Workshop Mick Shepherd has been operating his computer installation, networking, upgrades and repairs business for four years now. He’s always on the move, fixing systems for local businesses. Clients include Adams and Jarrett, New Career Skills, Sara Lee Trust and St Michael’s Hospice. “I have a knack with computers,” says Mick, “I understand them. I’ve been playing with them since the Sinclair ZX81.” Mick also builds bespoke computers, creating software that suits the individual. As well as setting up systems, he rescues computers and their owners from distress, working his magic to recover lost information, trouble shoot and get rid of pesky viruses. A useful number to have. Open 8am-6pm weekdays 
Dee’s Creative Cake Company Dee’s amazing cakes are edible works of art – a delicious and novel centrepiece for any occasion. Dee worked as a chef before she set up in the Enterprise Centre a year ago, when she transformed an empty shell into a bright, spotlessly clean kitchen. “I came here because the rent was affordable and discovered a great place for a young person starting out. It’s such a nice community and everyone is really welcoming.” Cakes come at surprisingly affordable prices for weddings, birthdays, Easter, Christmas, leaving parties, or any other celebration you can think of, in any recipe you like – check out Dee’s website to see some examples. Order a wedding cake and you’ll get a tasting and consultation. The only difficulty is sticking the knife into that beautiful icing… Prices from £30 - t: 01424 425721 w: 
Flaming Grate Debi and husband Arthur opened this enticing fireplace shop more than four years ago. They sell and fit electric, gas and solid fuel fires and stoves in all shapes and sizes: contemporary, repro based on old designs, hearth stones in marble, granite and slate, surrounds in wood, marble and cast iron. There are plenty of accessories for finishing touches, too. “We give advice to our customers and help them find something they like within their budget – there’s a massive range here.” Debi is as helpful as they come, promising to measure up and survey the fireplace for fitting. “We don’t charge for it – we just want happy customers!” Whether you don’t know where to start or you have something in mind, it’s worth a visit. 
Gary Baverstock Garden Design Gary is a gardener who can turn his hand to spade or drawing board. He has 20 years’ experience and horticultural know-how to call on, including the design and creation of formal, informal, urban, contemporary and wildlife gardens in the UK and US. “I try to design the garden someone wants, not the garden I think they should have, and to be respectful to the environment.” Planning can be as simple as a consultation in the garden with informal suggestions, or include full to-scale plans. There’s also maintenance advice on offer – when to prune your roses or patch your lawn. “I love to get out and garden; to be a good designer you need to know what plants need and how they’ll react in different growing conditions.” 
Hastings and Bexhill Wood Recycling Project What a brilliant project this is: recycling wood from many sources to restore interiors and make furniture; taking on trainees as part of the government’s ‘New Deal Scheme’ and helping to get unemployed people back to work; and helping with local environmental projects. Trapper and Ogs set up here 18 months ago and the project’s gone from strength to strength. They’re now turning out a series of small items of furniture, such as shelving units, kitchen blackboards, frames and door knobs. Recently they’ve been salvaging floorboards from the Adelphi Hotel, helping out in the grounds of local churches, and planning a Christmas window display of recycled wood for the Conran Shop! Call for details of the Christmas market this month. Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm t: 01424 715 566 
Imagen Gallery & Framers Jackie and Peter Armstrong are the helpful, friendly couple who run Imagen Gallery and Framers. This is a great place to visit, even if you’re not looking to buy. Their current exhibition is of 1066-country art, old and new, and there are some fascinating local scenes on the walls. They’re all for sale at reasonable prices, and I think make great gifts for local family or friends. Peter also provides a framing service, for pictures and prints of your own as well as those bought from the gallery. Then there’s a gilding service - frames or mirrors. And a collection of more than 10,000 prints to choose from! Flicking through the catalogues could take a while. Their doors are open to the public - for browsing or buying - 
Klassy Canine Dog groomer Vicky started her career as a hairdresser! One day, while bathing her dog, she realised she’d rather be grooming dogs than people. Some intensive studying and a City and Guilds later, Klassy Canine opened in the Britannia Enterprise Centre. “I’ve bathed and trimmed all breeds of dog: poodles, westies, schnauzers, wire-hair fox terriers, staffies and mongrels.” She even charmed a difficult poodle in last-chance-saloon recently. He came from a rescue centre and had already scared off a few professionals with his teeth, but Vicky managed to ignore the warning snaps and give him a makeover. The new owner was overjoyed and reassured. Vicky definitely has a way with dogs. If you’re thinking about sprucing up your dog for family visits at Christmas, book now! 
Overwrought George retired five years ago, apparently, just after he started working with wrought iron. He’s not exactly taking his retirement easy because he loves “messing about in the workshop.” He was a maintenance engineer in the aircraft industry, but now he works on his hobby - something he started when he was a kid. You can commission everything here - creative or practical: bespoke bed-frames, candle holders, curtain poles, railings, a rose arbour, fire escape, hat stand… Go along with an idea for a unique piece of furnishing for house or garden, and he’ll transform it into something lovely. “I enjoy the creative commissions most but I’ll fix trailers or mend anything in iron.” And - in case you were wondering - the last thing George seems is overwrought. t: 01424 722 490 m: 0792 999 0201 
Paper Conservator Raymond McChrystal has an unusual skill: he safeguards works of art on paper by removing age marks and damage caused by framing, and by stopping deterioration from getting worse. It’s a really delicate process and demands an eye for detail, so it’s reassuring that Raymond’s an artist himself. He can work wonders on watercolours, prints, drawings, pastels, maps, letters or any document on paper. Any masterpieces come his way? “I had what looked like a Turner from a car boot sale, but it took an expert an hour to decide it wasn’t!” And what’s most rewarding to work on? “Definitely items of personal value that can be restored.” If you’re a dealer, collector or private individual and want to save a favourite picture from a sorry decline into brownness, call Raymond for a consultation. 
The Valeting Shop Anyone with a working vehicle - whether it’s working for your family, pets or your job - knows that there are better things to do on a Saturday morning than clean it. Well, that’s our excuse. And here's your answer: bring it to Dave, whatever state it’s in. Drop it off on your way into town to do some chores, and pick up a sparkling specimen on your way back. Dave’s been here for eight years but in the business for 26, keeping clean the cars and vans of Hastings residents, from old ladies’ cars through wedding vehicles, to corporate fleets. He does monthly corporate cleans - he’ll even look after your diary, book it in, collect and return, shampoo interiors, steam clean engines - the lot. He’ll fix scratches and dents, too. “This is a brilliant place to work,” says Dave. “It’s a nice little community, quite bohemian. We all help each other out - and there’s a great caff!” He adds: “Show us a dirty car and it’s our job to find the clean one hiding behind it.” - t: 01424 460 656 m: 07885 663 287
