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.