It is a new era for the College STORE in Keighley which has re-opened its doors with a new look and a new focus.

The STORE, which hit Keighley high street in September 2008 to provide skills training and test trading opportunities for local people, has evolved into the i STORE to bring some technology to town.

The enterprising business outlet – the result of a partnership between Bradford Council and Keighley Campus of Leeds City College – has undergone a refurbishment and is now focussing on meeting another local need – providing essential IT services for the community.

The STORE initially provided a supportive environment for small new businesses to find their feet and get off the ground. During the last 15 months, up to 10 businesses have had the opportunity to trade from a unit for up to a year, with some moving on to trade for themselves, having established their brand.

Now one of those original businesses, Savacomp, has expanded to become the main tenants of the i STORE. The company specialises in recycling IT equipment which it then sells onto low income families at affordable prices – in the last year alone, they have saved 11 tonnes of equipment going to landfill.

Savacomp directors Allen Davis and Dave Spencer have also been able to introduce a drop-in repair service and the sale of accessories as well as opening a new internet café – the first in the town! The café enables people to drop in to use a computer for a minimum fee, with Allen and Dave and their team of volunteers who help out as part of the business’ commitment to providing training for the long term unemployed, on-hand to offer help and advice to first-time users.

The i STORE also houses other complementary businesses including a graphic designer and weekly business advisory service.

Project Manager Rachel Rickards said: “It was a great first year for the STORE – we helped nurture and support a number of small, local businesses in their infancy.”

“The project has now been able to evolve to meet another need in the town while continuing to support local businesses.”

* The i STORE had its official launch as part of the Love Keighley weekend (Feb 13-14), a town initiative to celebrate all things local to Keighley, with ad bikes cycling round the streets to promote the store and the new services on offer.

Please come and visit the new look STORE for yourself @ i STORE, 11-15 Cavendish Street, Keighley (opposite Sainsbury’s).

Press Contact
Sarah Towns
PR & Communications Co-ordinator
Leeds City College
t: 0113 284 6411
e: sarah.towns@leedscitycollege.ac.uk