Seaton workshop unit floats Nathan’s boat

When Nathan Cox was looking for a workshop unit to relocate his angling business and its boat-building wing from Bristol, he found what he needed at Seaton – in the Riverside Units managed by East Devon District Council.

Nathan, who is pictured receiving the keys to the unit from then Economy Cabinet Member Councillor Graham Godbeer, had spent many a day afloat angling off the Devon coast and he knew the area well. So when the opportunity came up to rent the Seaton unit he snapped it up.

The company trades under the name Rod Rings and Things – or RRT for short – and enjoyed steady growth since it was founded in 2008, outgrowing its previous home in Bristol. It caters for all aspects of sea, freshwater, game, fly and blue water angling and proprietor Nathan has been in the angling trade for over 20 years. More space was also needed for the angling boat building wing of the company, so the unit at Riverside Workshops is ideal.

Nathan said: “We hope to bring something new to Seaton and we’re looking forward to forming working relationships with local businesses and hopefully we will benefit the local economy.”

Cllr Godbeer commented: "It's great for the Council to be able to support local businesses to set up and expand. Despite the tough economic climate we are seeing high demand for our workshops and units across the district. This is extremely positive and shows the district is weathering the storm well."

"We do hold a waiting list for people wanting to take on units. I would encourage anyone thinking of them as a possibility for the future to get their name on the list now."

The Council recently produced a guide to all its workshops and units called "Open for Business" and information on commercial property available is on the EDDC website

Other workshop unit news:

Frances Bugler have moved out of EDDC’s Millwey Rise units to somewhere larger, having been long-term tenants at Axminster. The Council has found new tenants for two of the units – Glass is Sharp, a local glazier, and Tukxi, who customises small three-wheel vans. See www.tukxi.com

There are currently vacancies at Unit 8 Riverside Workshops, Seaton; Unit 7 Manstone Workshops, Sidmouth; and Unit 5 Millwey Rise, Axminster.