History

The company was set up in 1990 as Craigmillar Opportunities Trust and has been trading as Cre8te since 2000.  It was granted Local Enterprise Agency status in 2003.

The original aim of the Trust was to stimulate economic activity in Craigmillar, an area of multiple deprivation in Edinburgh.  It has achieved this through the provision of affordable property and workspace to enable businesses to locate in the area and contribute to the local economy, and by providing tailored business support to help people set up and develop their own businesses.

In 2010, Cre8te expanded its remit to deliver services across Edinburgh and Scotland where appropriate.  It also diversified its range of services to meet the needs of its clients and partners, this included the introduction of a variety of business consultancy and project management services, as well as economic, social inclusion and environmental projects.

 Our History At A Glance

Queen Elizabeth opening our building 1943

• 1990 – Craigmillar Opportunities Trust Ltd (COT) formed in 1990 to take on development of Peffer Place Industrial Estate with £500,000 planning gain payment received by the City Council for Fort Kinnaird and matched against European funding to construct 11 starter units.
• 1993 – Second phase of starter units constructed.
• 1995 – COT take head lease of Castlebrae Business Centre for sub-leasing to small or start up companies and local projects.
• 1996 – Third phase of starter units constructed.
• 1997 – Day Centre built in Niddrie Mains Gardens
• 2000 – COT move from their new offices in third phase to Castlebrae Business Centre to allow the expansion of Commsworld. COT changes operational name to Cre8te.
• 2001 – Craigmillar Business Incubator Project (CBIP) started with funding through Craigmillar Development and Enterprise matched against European funding.  Fourth phase of starter units constructed.
• 2003 – COT/Cre8te awarded Local Enterprise Agency status.
• 2005 – CBIP wins Scottish Enterprise Dynamic Place Award.
• 2009 – CBIP given SURF Award for Best Practice in Partnership in community regeneration.
• 2011 – Business Services Division formed.
• 2012 – COT name changed to Cre8te Opportunities Limited.