Fast-growing energy storage firm GivEnergy has acquired land to develop a new North Staffordshire hub for clean tech start-ups, which could lead to hundreds of jobs created.
Situated in Parkhouse Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, the currently disused site will host more than 10 start-up units for entrepreneurs — especially in the clean tech space.
GivEnergy says the ambitious move forms part of its ongoing drive to make North Staffordshire a centre of excellence for net zero technologies.
The proposed start-up hub has been planned and agreed with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
It will offer flexible leasing terms to start-ups, giving local innovators the essential space and support they need to grow.
GivEnergy also plans to consider angel investments in promising local ventures, helping them scale and potentially integrate into GivEnergy’s supply chain.
This new development – with its planned 11-12 units – could create several hundred green jobs in the area.
GivEnergy plans to work with Keele and Staffordshire Universities, in particular, to encourage budding entrepreneurs to base themselves in North Staffordshire.
This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and introduce Newcastle-under-Lyme as a green leader on the world stage.
Jason Howlett, Global CEO at GivEnergy said: “Our acquisition of the Parkhouse Road site is a significant milestone in GivEnergy’s mission to support and nurture the next generation of clean tech innovators.
“By creating a dedicated hub for start-ups, we aim to accelerate the development of technologies that will play a crucial role in achieving a net zero future.
“This isn’t just an investment in property. It’s also an investment in the future of Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire. From its pottery-led legacy, we’re committed to putting the area back on the map for world-leading industry – particularly in the critical net zero tech space.”
Within the last 18 months in North Staffordshire, GivEnergy has also purchased a new Newcastle-under-Lyme HQ, the property that neighbours this HQ for future expansion, and built a new, state of the art manufacturing facility in Stoke-on-Trent.
More recently, as part of its Parkhouse Road investment, GivEnergy purchased the building adjacent to the site (formerly a NatWest bank).
Under GivEnergy’s plans, this former bank is earmarked to become a food venue that will service the wider Parkhouse industrial estate.
Now, with this latest land acquisition, GivEnergy says it also has all the necessary space required to create its full, planned green start-up hub development.
The company is working closely with local architects to finalise a site layout for the Parkhouse Road development. This will be submitted to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council for planning approval in the coming months.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to see GivEnergy’s continuing investment in the borough.
“The demand for clean technology is only going to increase and this exciting investment will connect with universities and encourage business start-ups in the sector with the potential of creating hundreds of well-paid jobs in our community.”
