Published: June 19, 2018
Govan Workspace Ltd is a community-led social enterprise and charity operating in one of Glasgow’s poorest communities. It was set up in 1981 to tackle local employment and promote regeneration. Their small business accommodation facilities are spread across four sites in the Govan area and range in size from a few hundred to several thousand square feet.
Govan prides itself on flexibility and value for money, and all tenants benefit from communal services including security, heating and repairs and maintenance. Loan finance from Unity has enabled the company to generate additional revenue and income to support their work. They are now able to reduce exisiting loan interest repayments. A second, smaller loan has enabled work to be done on an inefficient heating system. This has again resulted in savings, meaning they can focus on providing high quality services.
The company has acquired and restored four redundant and derelict historic buildings. They re-purposed them as commercial premises, letting them out to more than 100 businesses employing some 500 people. Its latest project was the redevelopment of an iconic Govan building, the A-listed Fairfield shipyard offices. This affordable small business accommodation is vital to their success.
Pat Cassidy, Managing Director, comments:
“The move by Govan Workspace to Unity has been a welcome breath of fresh air. So easy to work with, and understanding of our needs as a social enterprise.”
