Welcome to the Sunspot ☀️
At Sunspot, we are more than just a space; we are a vibrant business centre and beach community with a mission to be the heartbeat & support new and emerging local businesses . Established in 2023 Sunspot was born out of a vision to create a dynamic, affordable & flexible space where businesses, could come together to learn, collaborate, and flourish.
Why Choose Sunspot?
🌐 Collaborative Ecosystem: We believe that success is collective. Our hub provides an environment where businesses and creatives can connect, collaborate, and thrive together. Your success is our success.
🚀 Resources for Growth: From state-of-the-art workspaces to mentorship programs and networking events, we offer the resources you need to propel your business forward. Our commitment is to empower you with the tools necessary to begin and grow your business.
👥Community : People are at the heart of everything we do. Our diverse community is not just a network; it's a support system. Engage with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and be a part of a community that believes in lifting each other higher.
What We Offer:
• Modern working spaces
• Networking events and workshops
• Mentorship and business support
• Meeting roomsc
• Community garden
• Close proximity to the best beach in Essex
• Event Space
• Public Toilets
• Co-working space
Since opening:
Our units are in high demand, with local businesses and entrepreneurs recognising the wealth of opportunities the Sunspot offers, including favourable media attention, business support, and a friendly atmosphere.
Sustained growth has led six of our tenants to upgrade to larger units and several have also increased their opening hours and hired additional staff because of their popularity.
Businesses benefit from additional footfall through a weekly market and car boot sale that feature local artisans selling unique handmade treasures.
We collaborate with our tenants and a range of organisations to provide regular events for the local community, which helps to raise footfall and brand awareness. Popular events include Christmas and summer fetes, a pancake day event that garnered coverage from ITV Anglia, Easter egg hunts, outdoor cinema nights and one coinciding with the Clacton Airshow – just a 20-minute scenic walk away.
To stay updated on our upcoming community events, we invite you to visit our Sunspot news page.
Awards:
Winner RIBA East Awards 2025 - Client of the Year TDC
Winner of the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2024: Social Value Champion of the Year
Winner of the Planning Awards 2024: Best use of brownfield land in placemaking
Highly commended for the MacEwen Award 2024
Press Releases
Please click on the links below from local & national press coverage
Community Garden
The community garden includes a range of native species and is maintained by Tendring District Council, with the help of volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved email thesunspot@tendringdc.gov.uk
How The Sunspot was funded
Funding for development of the Sunspot has come from a £2.39million share of the Government’s Getting Building Fund, administered by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, along with £2.04million from Essex County Council and £816,000 committed from Tendring District Council.
In addition, part of Tendring District Council’s £1.18million allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK Government is supporting the operating costs of the facility.
