REGENERATION chiefs have welcomed another new tenant to an Inverclyde business park.

Greenock-based firm Stepwell, which operates Fresh cafes in the Oak Mall and Gourock, has signed a three-year deal with Riverside Inverclyde (RI) for one of the last-remaining units at Lynedoch Industrial Estate.

The move will help the company expand its training and coffee house businesses and create two new jobs.

As revealed by the Tele last week, Stepwell bosses say they have moved into the estate as part of expansion plans following the closure of the Fresh cafe at the Waterfront Leisure Complex.

The 1,603 sq ft unit will feature a training coffee house, development kitchen, a hospitality training space as well as storage and distribution areas.

Angela Darroch, Stepwell’s head of business, said: “Fresh is enjoying a period of success and continued growth and as a result we are delighted to be able to commit to taking critical space at Lynedoch Industrial Estate.

“This will enable us to expand the services we currently offer and continue to train people to the highest standards in barista sills, customer service and catering.

“Riverside Inverclyde has worked closely with us over the past year and we’d like to thank them for their support in making this happen so quickly.”

Stepwell is a not-for-profit social enterprise aimed at delivering high quality training and employment for those who are out of work and vulnerable young people in Inverclyde.

The new premises will support the company’s two Fresh cafes and become a base for expanding the business.

It will also be a training centre for up to 100 people a year.
Stepwell joins the likes of Bathroom Elegance, Inverclean and Pampered Pets at the Lynedoch estate where there are just two vacant units remaining.

Andrew Bowman, RI’s head of business investment, said: “The facilities are perfect for what Fresh is aiming to deliver, and their expansion plans are something that RI has been supportive of throughout the past year. 

“We wish Angela and her team continued success and look forward to helping further food and drink businesses to grow and invest in Inverclyde.”