A new enterprise complex, which has created jobs on Portland, was opened by a Dorset MP.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax and Cllr Kevin Brookes, in one of his last duties as Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, attended the opening of The Network Enterprise Complex at Southwell Business Park.

Calvin Samways, Managing Director of the Network Enterprise Complex, acquired the contract to convert an unused building at the business park into seven units last July.

Following almost a year of work, the units are now complete, and occupied by exciting new businesses trading within the complex.

Mr Samways said the project was ‘make or break’ but has turned out ‘brilliantly.’

He explained: “I started the project a year ago, it was all derelict, we have regenerated the area and brought business back to life here. it’s taken us a whole year, we got it in July when we signed the contract and since then the tenants have been moving in faster than we could build the units.

He added: “It was such a risk because when we first took it on it was empty, but it’s turned out brilliantly. There is a great community feel to the place.”

Prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mr Samways took Mr Drax and the mayor and mayoress on a tour of the new complex.

Dorset Echo:

Mr Drax described the new complex as a ‘brave investment’ and said it has improved what had become a run-down building in the area.

He added: “In the area what we want is jobs and that’s what he has created. I wish him all the best for the future.”

Cllr Brookes said: “We have had a look around and the amount of work is impressive. I have never seen quite as much activity as I have here today. It’s nice to see because it wasn’t designed as an industrial place it was office space, so for it to evolve into something as good as this is great.”