Lord Salisbury joins 10-year celebrations for business centre

A business centre in Old Hatfield has celebrated its 10-year anniversary with birthday events, as well as offers for new clients on its website.

Great North Business Centre (GNBC) occupies two charming listed buildings, which are part of the Hatfield House estate and located on Great North Road, opposite the Hatfield railway station. With a range of 30 serviced offices suitable for one to 12 people, GNBC offers meeting rooms, registered address and mailbox services, call-answering and other services to support start-ups and small businesses.

Lord Salisbury, the landlord, visited to mark the occasion by cutting the cake, enjoying a glass of champagne, and visiting some of the businesses at GNBC. He was accompanied by Mr Anthony Downes, Estate Director at Hatfield, and Mr Philip Brimley, Head of Property, Hatfield Park Estate.

They were welcomed by GNBC’s management team of Mr Richard Peeters, Director; Mrs Bhadra O’Reilly, Centre Manager; Mr Ashil Lukose, Assistant Manager; and Mr Daniel Peeters, Tech Support.

Lord Salisbury is enthusiastically supportive of small businesses in Hertfordshire, and explained that, towards the end of 2014, when he first agreed to lease the property, he thought it was “rather a courageous step for Mr Peeters”, and that he is very pleased that it has worked out well.

During the Covid lockdowns, Hatfield House gave strong support to GNBC, even as Hatfield House faced greater challenges, right across its estates.

Mr Peeters explained: “They encouraged us to renew our whole branding and marketing approach, which certainly helped get our business and finances back on track.”

He continued: “I am also very grateful to my team members, past and present, who have all contributed inspiration, energy, passion and dedication. Thanks to all the clients who made GNBC their home over the years. Mostly I am grateful to my loving family and supportive friends, who graciously allow for my absences (sometimes at short notice, often weekends) to fix or upgrade something at GNBC.

“The next 10 years for GNBC and its clients look bright!”