Work has begun on a multi-mullion pound business park – the brainchild of a self-made millionaire who says he wants he help other entrepreneurs. The six-acre site, Sheppey's first commercial hub, is being built in a field along the A249 opposite Neats Court by Tom Allsworth's Queenborough-based company Medichem Properties. Mr Allsworth, who left school at 16, is spending £18 million on the venture, called Walbrook Business Park and which was unveiled last October . The scheme includes the building of 30 units ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 32,000 sq ft for national and local companies to share. The first tenants are expected to arrive this autumn. Mr Allsworth, 56, said: “I am passionate about promoting the Isle of Sheppey because I was born here, grew up here and went to school here. "I believe developing a business park will be a great addition for the local business community.” The park, which will be opposite Morrisons and Aldi distribution centre, will include a reception area with meeting rooms for hire, a café, post room and administration services. Medichem Properties is also developing a four-acre sister site nearby called Walbrook West for one tenant. Mr Allsworth was born in Queenborough, within walking distance of the new site. The father-of-five, who still lives on the Island, attended Queenborough Primary School, Danley Middle School and then the "Sheppey Comp" before quitting education at 16 to take a
Job in Sheerness Docks. Within two years he had launched his own company importing timber and by 1992 had opened his own factory in Rushenden making disinfectant and hand scrubs. He later expanded into the beauty business with Revolution and now employs 400 people. The make-up firm counts
Khloe Kardashian among its fans and is top-rated on ASOS. The business park is being marketed by Harrisons. Director Brian Cox said: "The units and offices will be flexible so a row of four units or 1,000 sq ft can easily be modified to make a 2, 3 or 4,000 sq ft unit. "Each unit will have the capacity to have first floor or mezzanine floors built in. Similarly, an office can be anything from a one-person office to a whole block." For information, call Jonathan Creek or Max Terry on 01634 265900 or email jcreek@harrisons.property or mterry@harrisons.property.