Swindon & Wiltshire News
Two new Enterprise Centres to open in early 2014
Two new Enterprise Centres are to open in Wiltshire, thanks to £5.2m of government funding.
The Wiltshire Council-led Enterprise Network Initiative, which last year opened similar incubation centres in Trowbridge and Ludgershall, plans to open new centres at Wootton Bassett and Salisbury.
The Initiative is also offering free expert advice and grants to small businesses.
All the Enterprise Centres offer new, flexible and purpose-built office space and hot desk facilities designed specifically with micro businesses in mind and at affordable, all-inclusive rents.
Hot desks can be hired by the half day, and offices for between one and five people by the month, with easy-in, easy-out contracts. High speed broadband, communal networking areas and bookable meeting rooms complete the package.
In addition, The Enterprise Network offers free expert business advice through the Wiltshire Business Support Service and access to grants – available to any start-up or step-up business in Wiltshire and rural Swindon – as well as for all Enterprise Centre tenants.
Manor House Enterprise Centre, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett will provide 19 offices on two floors offering 44 desks across a range of different sized offices, and free parking.
The Old Fire Station Enterprise Centre, Salt Lane, Salisbury will have seven ground floor offices with 16 seats and 12 first floor offices with 19 seats.
Since TEN launched, 22 people have been helped to start a new business, 61 existing businesses have received expert support and advice, 36 women-led enterprises have had support and more than 40 new jobs have been created across Wiltshire.
Kate Forrest, manager of The Enterprise Network, said: “We believe there’s never been a better time for Wiltshire people to start a new business, or grow an existing enterprise thanks to this brilliant combination of practical support, workspace and grants.
“We’re particularly keen to support military leavers and their dependents in Wiltshire to take their first steps to becoming their own bosses. There is help and support every step of the way for anyone keen to do business, from the first light-bulb idea.”
Fleur de Rhé-Philipe, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for economy, skills and transport said: “One of our top priorities is to boost the local economy and these new centres will provide fantastic support for emerging and existing businesses in Wiltshire.
Ensuring local businesses are given the opportunity to thrive is integral to boosting the local economy. We will continue to work with our partners on innovative projects like these so businesses have the support and resources they need to be successful.”
To find out more about workspace at TEN’s four Enterprise Centres across Wiltshire, free business advice or grants, or hire of meeting rooms, call 01264 848311 or visit www.enterprisewiltshire.co.uk/projects/The-Enterprise-Network-TEN
