CareCo to move to Horizon 120 business park in Braintree

CareCo has become the first employer to sign up to the new Horizon 120 business park, which will be built off the A131 in Great Notley.

Braintree Council’s commercial developer, the Marshgate Group, exchanged contracts with CareCo in September and could move in to its new home as early as next year.

It will be based in a building about a third bigger than the size of a football pitch which will consist of a distribution centre, offices and showroom.

The firm markets, sells and distributes mobility equipment.

Marshgate's managing director David Warburton said: "This is a bespoke build which will give CareCo the exact design, layout and build quality they need to showcase their products, increase their efficiency and improve customer experience.

"We are looking forward to making a positive start on what will be the first of many new commercial units on the Horizon 120 site."

Braintree Council's corporate transformation boss John McKee added: "I am pleased to see that our offer is attracting the attention of businesses from outside the district who want to be part of something special.

"This is a significant investment, from a leading independent mobility company, which will benefit our residents, create job and business opportunities and boost our local economy.

"This is great news for the local community and wider district."

The Horizon 120 project, which also includes new leisure and childcare facilities, is expected to cost Braintree Council £24.3m.

The cash will come via some of the authority’s reserves, as well as through “prudential” borrowing and the sale of some of the sites at the business park to developers.

Around £7m in funding is also being provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, with the money funding a central hub area and enterprise centre.

Bosses say the centres will generate a long-term income for the council and help pay for essential services in the future.