Q&A with Leigh House, Leeds

This month, we were pleased to award two companies with SOS Business Centre of the Month – one northern and one southern business centre in the UK! We thought it would be nice to tell you a little more about the two centres and why they won.

Today, we’d love to start with Leigh House in Leeds, for which we had a chat with Sonia Padgett, who is Director and Office Manager there.

When did you open Leigh House and where did the idea come from?

In 2003, Leigh House, Leeds, became Serviced Offices. Our Managing Director had the available freehold property, and following some market research and feasibility studies, the building was converted into Serviced Offices.

What was the property used for before this?

Leigh House was originally the head office for one of our Managing Director’s businesses, and prior to this the Mill Manager’s office for Leigh Mills which have now been demolished.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when setting up Leigh House?

As a Grade II* listed building, one of the greatest challenges was to create a modern feel to the interior of the building whilst ensuring high tech IT infrastructures were kept in place. We had to invest heavily in the IT Infrastructure to compete in the market place, which thankfully paid off.

What industries do the tenants you have work in, and how does this business centre work for their needs?

We have a variety of tenants within the building, from Speech Recognition, Counsellors, Publishers to Construction and HR. Being based between two major cities, Leeds and Bradford, we have a fantastic transport network and allow our tenants and visitors to park freely at Leigh House, so they can travel to these areas quite easily. Leigh House, Leeds, offers tenants a welcoming, relaxed and pleasant environment to work from - with wonderful surroundings inside and out!

What have you launched this year?

We have recently gained a fibre internet connection into Leigh House, Leeds, which has helped our tenants continue with their day to day needs. We also offer breakfast meetings to allow tenants to mingle amongst themselves and introduce themselves and their businesses to each other, along with an “Honesty Box & Fridge” for tenants to give themselves the sugar boost they need during their working day!

What sets you apart from other business centres?

Leigh House, Leeds, is a unique Grade II* listed Building set in over an acre of grounds, based between Leeds and Bradford. We are a small business centre, with a big heart and ensure that our customers’ needs are met on a regular basis. We have an open door policy and our customer service is second to none, which allows our tenants to approach the Directors easily and freely to discuss their movements and needs for the business.

What changes and developments do you see for the company in the future?

We hope to continue as we are, offering our services to both existing and new customers. As a small business centre, we continue to improve both the offices and building on a yearly basis.

And finally, what do you love most about your job?

Watching our customers succeed, grow and develop their business is an achievement in itself which makes my job fulfilling and Leigh House successful!

Find out more about applying for our Business Centre of the Month award by clicking here.