New Haverhill business opens at refurbished West Suffolk Council industrial unit

21 Sep 2026

West Suffolk Council is delighted that GR8 Composites Ltd, a specialist supplier of industrial safety materials, is now the tenant of 2 Hollands Road, Haverhill, a commercial property owned by the council.

The council has worked with GR8 Composites Ltd to help retain the business and jobs in Haverhill, following the company being established by former employees of FibreGrid Ltd, which closed in Haverhill earlier this year.

On Thursday 17 September, GR8 Composites Ltd hosted an opening event at the newly refurbished premises, attended by Cllr Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources at West Suffolk Council and the Mayor of Haverhill, Cllr Lora Miller-Jones.

The property has recently undergone a £1.1 million refurbishment to bring it up to modern letting standards and give it a new lease of life. These works included reconfiguration and putting on a new roof, while the building’s energy efficiency was improved through increased insulation in the walls and roof.

Solar panels have also been installed, which are expected to deliver CO2 savings of around 4.5 tonnes per year and contribute to annual financial savings of approximately £2,000 for the tenant.

Cllr Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources at West Suffolk Council, said: “The refurbishment of 2 Hollands Road represents a strong investment by the council to improve the site, make better use of the property and create the right conditions for businesses and jobs to thrive in Haverhill.”

“We are pleased to have been able to support GR8 Composites Ltd as it establishes its new venture and takes on the tenancy of the refurbished unit. This is a great example of how the council’s investment in its commercial property portfolio can support local businesses and sustainable economic growth.

“Income generated through the rent is reinvested into West Suffolk, helping to fund important council services.”

Sonya Pilgrim, Managing Director, from GR8 Composites Ltd, said: "The last year has been an incredible journey. What began with the disappointment of redundancy at the end of 2025 has evolved into an exciting new chapter with the launch of our own company.

"With the support and confidence of our investor and key supplier partners, we have been able to turn a difficult situation into a fantastic opportunity. Securing these outstanding premises, refurbished and owned by West Suffolk Council, marks a significant milestone for our business and provides us with what we hope will be our long-term home.

"While the experience of redundancy was challenging, it gave us the determination to build something new. We are proud to have emerged stronger, more resilient, and more focused than ever. As we look ahead, we do so with optimism, ambition, and a genuine excitement for the opportunities that the next year will bring.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way and look forward to continuing our growth within the local community.”

Since the refurbishment works were completed in January 2026, the property has also played an important role in supporting the council’s Better Recycling project. The site was identified as a strategic operational location for bin storage and proved invaluable in the distribution of bins across Haverhill and the southern area of West Suffolk.

The building is now in use by GR8 Composites Ltd, supporting the company’s continued growth while ensuring the council-owned asset continues to contribute to the local economy.

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