Leigh Works giving creatives the equipment and space to thrive

Five creative businesses formed a partnership to establish organisation Leigh Works and moved into the ground floor of a premises on Bond Street.

Another firm, Express IT, set up on the first floor of the property at the same time.

Steven Tomlinson and Express IT owner Adam Vause

Leigh Works, which has similar facilities to technology community organisation Leigh Hackspace, is aimed at freelancers, start-ups and small companies.

Among the technology that can be used by clients who rent a space at the site is a 3D printer, laser cutting, virtual reality, an electronic workshop and a dark room for photography.

Hot desks and meeting rooms are also available.

Inside Leigh Works

Steven Tomlinson, from Leigh, who owns software company Nemiah, which has worked with Budwieser and Autotrader, is based at the building.

With many employees in the creative industry from the borough travelling to Manchester, Steven, 36, wanted to open a premises closer to home.

He said: "This is not necessarily the type of business you would expect to find in Leigh.

"I am really excited about it.

"It seemed like a no brainer to open a site here for workers living in the local area.

"We are also really close to the guided busway for people coming into Leigh."

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Steven is also positive about the future of the town with more trendy businesses opening, which are similar to what visitors from cities like Manchester are accustomed to.

Leigh Works and Express IT will be hosting a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Saturday between 10am to 2pm.

As well as coffee and cakes, there will be games and prizes with visitors also able to try out the technology.