Pictured above: (l-r) Frank Mills, Chairman of Coventry
University Enterprises Limited; Kathryn Stewart, Programmes Manager
with the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship at Coventry
University Enterprises Limited; Rebecca Miles, Partnerships Manager
at Advantage West Midlands; and June Upton, Deputy Mayor of
Coleshill.
A new Business Centre has opened in Coleshill, north
Warwickshire offering a wide range of support to entrepreneurs
looking to start or grow their own business.
The purpose built office facility is located on the first floor
of the Town Hall, which was refurbished to create space for up to
20 start-up companies and to provide a dedicated business mentoring
service, seminars and workshops, particularly focused on early
stage, or 'pre-incubation' businesses, as well as support to find
suitable office accommodation across North Warwickshire.
The service is being delivered by Coventry University
Enterprises while the cost of the building refurbishment work was
funded by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands,
which provided £170,000 capital investment through its market
towns initiative.
The centre was opened on Tuesday 10th November by June Upton,
Deputy Mayor of Coleshill, Rebecca Miles, Partnership Manager at
Advantage West Midlands and Frank Mills, Chairman of Coventry
University Enterprises.
It will also signpost businesses to other appropriate
sub-regional support services, including specialist facilities
operated by Coventry University such as the Technocentre, which may
be able to help a new business resolve a specific problem
Kathryn Stewart, Programmes Manager with the Institute of
Applied Entrepreneurship at Coventry University Enterprises
Limited, said: "With the economic down turn the help we can provide
has become increasingly important and whether it is business
mentoring, training or meeting rooms we are proud to be able to
offer the services at the new centre in Coleshill. We are keen to
generate a community that we can network together through the
centre and support its offering.
"We have a variety of funding and expertise that people can tap
into whether it's to access training or help to make that leap into
self employment. We hope people take advantage of the open days and
come and meet the team and see what is on offer."
Deputy Mayor Upton said: "The centre provides a really exciting
opportunity for the people of Coleshill and provides the sort of
environment and support that we as a Council want to provide for
our community. Our partnership with Coventry University and
Advantage West Midlands has been really positive and brought this
fantastic new development to our town, I would urge local
entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity."
Rebecca Miles said: "This is an exciting development that will
support new business and provide new flexible workspace. Advantage
West Midlands is delighted to be providing this support through the
Market Towns Programme, which is helping towns across the Region to
become hubs of regeneration."
The university is offering two free information days on the 19th
and 25th November for people who are looking to start up in
business or those in business who would like some help.
The centre is now open for business and hope that the businesses
of Coleshill and surrounding area take advantage of the tremendous
opportunities it presents.
The open days in November are pre bookable to meet with a
business adviser and can be booked by calling 02476
236001.