Brothers offer help to start-ups

Three Newark businessmen are hoping to lend a helping hand to young entrepreneurs by providing them with reduced rents in new offices.

Brothers Mr William Derry, Mr James Derry and Mr Andrew Derry have been restoring Balderton Hall, Fernwood, which is listed for protection, and are using it as a base for their main business, Derry Building Services.

They want to lease about 12 offices in the hall’s 1960s extension, built when the hall was used as administration offices for Balderton Hospital, to young entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.

Offices range from about 100sq ft to 500sq ft and would be leased on monthly contracts at around £200 per calendar month, including bills.

Mr William Derry said they were keen to help new businesses.

He said: “We feel we can help out young businesses by providing office accommodation with a lot of facilities at a fairly cheap rent.

“This is our way of giving something back to the community.”

Mr Derry said his family had been in business in Newark since 1734 and would be happy to pass on business knowledge to new tenants.

He said: “James and I own various companies. We have a construction company and nurseries and we own property.

“We are trying to do our bit and if young people and new businesses come here and want some advice we would be more than happy to share our experience.”

Mr James Derry said they would be as flexible as possible to help young businesses.

He said they were keen to work with Fernwood Parish Council and the community in the village.

Anyone interested in renting an office should contact Hodgson Elkington Chartered Surveyors.