Mendip Profiles > Mendip Stories > Gavin Eddy
Gavin Eddy
Forward Space Ltd
Owner
Gavin owns and manages an innovation centre for small and emerging businesses.
Why do you do what you do?
I believe that small and medium sized enterprises are a growing economic force and I find them exciting to work with.
There are strong demographic reasons which led me to choose to start my business in the South West. I believe that there is a flow of wealth and intellectual property into this area and I was surprised by the strength of creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit particularly in the town of Frome.
How long have you lived in Mendip?
2 years
How does Mendip inspire your work?
Somerset has the highest number of start up businesses using new technology in the country. I believe that the importance of new technologies is reflected in general workplace development. Technology enables me to develop my business without the historic difficulties of accessibility and peripherality. I am attracted to the historic environment of Frome and the quirky and creative people here.
What are the advantages and drawbacks about living in this area?
Advantages: Inspiring surroundings, better quality of life
Disadvantages: Things can sometimes take a bit longer to happen and I feel that the area suffers from an inferiority complex, living in the shadow of Bath. In fact I like Frome better than Bath
What's your favourite part of Mendip and why?
Orchardleigh Lake. I like to walk around the lake and enjoy the sense of a bygone era, with the historic old house, the lake and the semi-derelict boathouse. There is an air of faded grandeur about it.
What would you say to encourage people to visit here and work here?
You'd be crazy not to come here!
Website: www.forwardspace.co.uk
