The Active Business Centre was founded in 1989 as a private business partnership with what, at the time, seemed a fairly unique and radical business idea of providing small businesses with everything they needed to work under one roof and at a single fixed monthly cost on flexible terms, with no fixed long term commitment and legal expenses. In effect, a hotel for businesses.
The concept took a while to gain ground and became known as an established and highly cost effective way of working. It proved to be a success, and in 2001 we moved to Limited Company status (Reg No. 4616566). Today business centres are as ubiquitous as hotels in every town and business park across the country and during that growth period the Active Business Centre has retained its status as an independently owned and managed local business. As such, we are able to offer bespoke tailored solutions for individuals and businesses. Rather than having a ‘one size fits all’ mentality, our approach is to meet the client, discuss their requirements in detail and provide services to match and meet those needs.
We are fortunate to have St Andrew’s Castle, a beautiful Grade II* listed building in the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds, from which to operate the business.
By 1864 there is a record of Thomas Collins being Clerk to the Magistrates and living in St. Mary’s Square, (this may have been Thomas Collins’ son) and by 1865 George Boby had bought the Castle and was living there. George was a coal, corn, manure and seed merchant and also a maltster but had a share in his brother Robert Boby’s engineering business which occupied the large engineering works further up St. Andrew’s Street, this at one time extended from St. Andrew’s Street westwards to where the Parkway now runs.
The Active Business Centre was founded the same year and took over and renovated the building before opening it’s door as a Business Centre in 1990.
This brief history was researched by Mrs Marie Neal in Sept 1995 from: the Records Office in Bury St. Edmunds, copies of auction papers on our files and the local press. Photographs are reproduced by kind permission of the local historical society Bury Past and Present.
Since opening its doors in 1989 the centre has been home to over one hundred businesses large and small, providing serviced offices and business support services at every level. From reception, telephone answering and full secretarial services to organising last minute gifts, we go the extra mile. Our clients range from lone entrepreneurs to fully fledged multinational organisations, from accountants to zoologists.
The centre provides a supportive, professional and secure environment in which to work and develop. Businesses thrive within the community atmosphere the building inspires. Knowing there is always a friendly and highly experienced support team working on your behalf even when you’re away from your desk.
Many of the businesses within the centre have grown into a supportive network community and often share their expertise and experience with their ‘neighbours’ to the mutual benefit of developing symbiotic relationships.
Clients are able to move in to an office secure in the knowledge that as they develop and grow, the centre can provide the extra space and resources required, from an extra desk to a larger office, without major upheaval and ensuring continuity of their business activities for the long term.
We have used the Active Business Centre for some time now and they are fantastic!
With a town centre location and ample parking, what else could a company want? We appreciate everything they do for us and are always happy to recommend them when I hear of companies looking for serviced offices.
Midus Communications Ltd
As a periodic user of The Active Business Centre for running seminars and photoshoots, the team couldn’t be more helpful. Always cheerful, welcoming and efficient, making sure the room being hired is laid out, or in some cases, cleared of tables and chairs on arrival. The little things included make a big difference, right down to water and glasses always being to hand. Thank you for helping my events run smoothly.
We have used the Active Business Centre on a regular basis for meetings and presentations over the last couple of years. The venue is excellently positioned in the centre of Bury St Edmunds, it has all the facilities that we need and the staff are always helpful and accommodating to our requirements. We would have no hesitation in recommending it.
If you are looking for a professional, but friendly business environment for your business, then the Active Business Centre is for you. It has great meeting facilities and parking in a stunning location, whilst still being convenient for the centre of Bury St Edmunds. The staff are excellent and very helpful too.
St Andrews Castle, housing the Active Business Centre, is a stunningly beautiful building which oozes character and charm. With its sweeping driveway, town centre location and ample parking, it offers everything we could need. However it is the warmth and professionalism of the staff which sets it apart as an exceptional place to work and conduct our business. The facilities provided are excellent, and the staff will always go the extra mile to make sure the centre runs smoothly, and provide an environment it is a pleasure to work in, and host clients or business contacts in too.
The Active Business Centre has provided our company with an exceptional level of service at all times. Staff are helpful and professional in equal measure and we are extremely well looked after. We have flexible access to a range of conference facilities and know that our customers will be dealt with in a friendly and efficient manner when they telephone or visit reception in person. The stunning building is perfectly situated and we consider ourselves fortunate to have found such an excellent facility. We would recommend wholeheartedly.
