Bank loan helps centre to grow (From Keighley News)

Bank loan helps centre to grow

3:16pm Thursday 10th May 2012 in News By David Knights

Keighley Musicians Centre has paid tribute to a bank for providing cash for its recent move to bigger premises.

Lloyds TSB Commercial provided a six-figure loan for the long-established family business to expand.

The centre moved from Keighley Railway Station to the former employment exchange on Russell Street last month.

The two-storey complex houses a large musical instruments showroom, music tuition rooms, and the new Exchange Arts Centre.

The Musicians Centre was established in 1969 by Kenneth North and is now owned by his grandchildren Marie Harris and Michael Watmough.

After outgrowing the station premises Marie approached Lloyds TSB Commercial. She now plans to take on at least six new members of staff, in addition to the existing 15 teachers who teach more than 500 pupils.

Marie said: “When my brother and I purchased the business from my grandparents in 2001, I was only 18 and straight out of college.

“Taking on the business was an extremely daunting prospect, however the risk absolutely paid off.

“Just over ten years down the line we have grown the business to the point where we have had to physically expand to what is now one of the largest music sites in the region, allowing us to take on even more pupils.

“We’d like to say thanks to Lloyds TSB Commercial for providing the funding to make the purchase possible – the opening of the new premises marks a huge step for us, both for the business and the family.”

Chris Parker, business development manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “As the third generation of the family to have run the music business in Keighley, the impact it has on the community is far greater than many people realise.

“The Musicians Centre has revolutionised the music business in Keighley, and it is a pleasure to support these people in such an interesting business, especially when we can see the positive impact it is having.”