YOUNG ENTREPREUNERS FIND A HOME AT BROADWAY PLAZA

Setting up a business can be a daunting prospect, but young entrepreneurs are enjoying success thanks to Broadway Plaza, Birmingham’s premier entertainment and leisure venue.

Since it opened five years ago, Broadway Plaza has helped nurture a number of start-ups that have since established themselves as vibrant and innovative firms.

One such business is Living Golf, an indoor golf centre that uses state-of-the-art technology to recreate the experience of playing on the world’s greatest courses – without the risk of bad weather.

It is the brainchild of friends Rob Kerry and Ivan Gayler, who met when they both worked for UK Athletics.  With a strong desire to work for themselves they decided to set up the company and were one of the first people in the country to open an indoor golf centre. 

Now they have three simulators, which use a large screen and sensors to track the flight of the ball, and are looking to open another Living Golf in the near future.

Rob, aged 27, said Broadway Plaza was a good fit for them because the other businesses, such as the cinema, hotel, fitness centre and bowling alley, would ensure trade from walk-by traffic. He added: “It’s great for new players because there isn’t the pressure of playing in front of other people. We also get scratch golfers using it as a training venue.”

Another groundbreaking business is Mailwash, which was set up by former TV producer Kate Bartram. Mailwash is a dry-cleaners and launderer that provides a free pick up and delivery service to city dwellers and businesses, saving her clients valuable time.

Since opening at Broadway Plaza the business has expanded and now offers its own tailor on site to do alterations and repairs.

Kate took the well-worn TV to dry cleaning career path after spotting a niche in the market. She said: “I was working for an independent TV company in Birmingham and I was traveling to London a lot and I didn’t have time to do my washing.

“I wanted someone to pick it up and drop it off but there was no one that did that, so I decided to set one up myself. There are a lot of young professionals in Birmingham with disposable income and I’m sure they want to go out and have a good time rather than stay home washing and ironing!”

She said she chose Broadway Plaza because of its excellent location and accessibility.

Finally, the Great British Eatery, set to open in June, is a fresh take on the traditional fish and chip shop. Four childhood friends, Conrad Brunton, Matthew Whittlestone, Russell Kilshaw and Andrew Insley, felt there were no truly authentic fish and chip shops in the city centre and decided to do something about it, but dragging the venerable British institution into the 21^st century at the same time.

Conrad, the general manager, wants to open diners’ eyes to traditional cuisine, such as Shire Square Pies with onion gravy, traditional faggots, and home-made fish cakes, all produced using high quality produce.

He said: “We chose Broadway Plaza because of the transport links and the fact there are 12000 office workers within a five minute walk.

“We source as many of our products as we can locally and we also have local beers to compliment the food. We’re really excited about opening and can’t wait to get up and running.”

Arthur Webb, Broadway Plaza’s centre manager, said: “We are delighted at the success these young entrepreneurs have had and are keen to attract other hungry young go-getters as well as more established businesses.  There are a couple of great letting opportunities available at the moment, and I’d urge any interested business – whether start-up or established - to contact me to see how Broadway Plaza could help.”

15/05/2008