With 18 businesses moved in and a waiting list, Grimsby Town Centre’s new E-Factor Hive is buzzing with activity – and there’s more good news for 2026!
North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, joined E-Factor Managing Director Mark Webb to tour the building – the former redundant St James’ House in St James’ Square.
Cllr Jackson said: “It is absolutely fantastic. When I came here a year ago the offices were just getting fitted out and to go around today and see them all occupied is great. I have spoken to some of the small business owners that are here and heard their optimism and their delight at being here, in this building, and in the town centre.
“This shows the council was right to have faith in this building and support it being brought back into use. It was an eyesore, but now it looks brilliant and it is bringing people here, into the town centre, to widen the offer here. People can now see the change happening,” he added.
The authority’s approval to release Government-awarded Town’s Fund grant monies to support the project gave E-Factor the financial boost needed to raise more funds to buy the building.
Significant renovation work then started within the then asbestos-riddled structure, with a complete strip-out needed, along with extensive repairs to every aspect of its interior and exterior.
Fast-forward to today and the new E-Factor Business Hive is unrecognisable. The ground floor is now a swish reception and office space for team members.
Alongside that there is renovated units for other businesses to move into. One has been taken by the NSPCC, which is moving its family centre there and a second is going to be a café with in and outdoor seating. The third remains vacant, with the E-Factor keen to hear from interested businesses or groups.
The 18 offices on the second floor are all full – with those facing the square enjoying great views of Grimsby Minster. There’s also breakout space, the Hive boardroom and kitchen facilities. A majority of the tenants are new to the E-Factor, meaning it can keep its other premises in nearby Dudley Street – supporting more businesses across North East Lincolnshire.
Occupants couldn’t be more thrilled with their new homes. Young business couple Holly and Jim Borrill, of Stem Accountants, have taken two offices.
“We want to be part of something good, and this is it,” they both agreed.
“With everything going on in the town centre, this space is going to be at a premium, and we are delighted to be here. We’re both from Grimsby and couldn’t be happier with what is happening and how we are progressing. Let’s all be part of the positive, it’s great here” added Holly and Jim.
Next on the E-Factor’s list is the creation of the Grimsby Conference & Business Centre on the building’s first floor, with work expected to start in late Spring. Seating 200 people, it will be equipped with staging and audio-visual facilities with breakout desk space and a smaller boardroom.
The final stage will be the top floor, which will include penthouse business space, and an outdoor area with fantastic views over Grimsby towards the Port and Humber.
For Mark this is the realisation of a dream, which some would have doubted on seeing the state of the building a few years ago.
He said: “It has been quite a journey to get it from that derelict building to where we are now. It takes a lot of faith, and it takes whole community and partnership work, which the council has been a part of.
“The tenants are so enthusiastic not just about this, but the prospects for the town that this represents. These people are local, 100 per cent committed to this area and employ local people and that’s why they are here – not just because this is a great building, but because we have a great town. Progress doesn’t happen because it’s easy, it happens when people are determined to make it so,” added Mark.
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