COUNCIL chiefs have played a key part in keeping an established Malvern firm in the town as it plans to expand in new premises.
Health and well-being insurance brokerage company Balens Ltd is set to move into new office premises in the town centre as part of their plans to expand and continue their growth.
But Coun Phil Groves, a leading councillor at Malvern Hills District Council, said the company were considering alternative premises outside the district before the council ‘moved quickly’ to help them stay flourishing in the town.
The move will enable Balens to relocate from its base at Enigma Business Park into the town centre safeguarding the current jobs in the area and allowing the creation of new jobs with its plans to expand.
The firm will move into the old Job Centre building which was vacated in April when the the service opened in its new home at Malvern Library. The move into the 7,000 sqft building should be completed in July.
Coun Phil Grove, responsible for economic development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are delighted that, as a home grown Malvern business, Balens Ltd has announced proposals that will bring significant investment to high quality offices in the Great Malvern town centre, support the retention of their existing local employees and cater for their on-going growth locally.
“When we heard that Balens were looking for alternative premises and considering alternatives outside of the district our economic development team moved quickly to identify options in Malvern and I’m delighted that one of these opportunities has now been taken up.“
“We are pleased that this expansion will also bring a significant number of workers into our town centre which will help to support traders in the town.
“Economic prosperity is the key priority for the council and we are working hard with local businesses like Balens Ltd to ensure they can continue to grow and prosper in the district.”
Josh Balen of Balens Ltd said: “These are exciting times for Balens and what better way to celebrate 20 years in Malvern.
“This acquisition and development will assist the next stage of our business growth, enabling us to give increased service to our customers, compete in new markets and create new jobs in the town.”
