The official opening of Althorpe Enterprise Hub and Court Street Creative Arches was held on Wednesday 9th September 2009.
The two new premises were declared open by the Chairman of Warwick District Council Cllr Norman Pratt, and Ms Angela Maxwell, award winning businesswoman and member of the Board of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.
The projects are part of the £14 million 'Creative Uplift Programme' (CUP) - a public-private sector partnership between Warwick District Council, regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, and the private sector. The projects will contribute to the continuing regeneration of the Old Town are of Leamington, supporting new and growing businesses and helping to encourage graduate retention in the area.
Chris Elliott – Chief Executive, Warwick District Council; Angela Maxwell – Board member, Advantage West Midlands; Chairman, Cllr Norman Pratt - Warwick District Council and Cllr John Hammon - Portfolio Holder, Economic Development cut the ribbon by the entrance to Althorpe Enterprise Hub.
Launch of Coventry and Warwickshire Social Media Café (CWSMC)
Paul Henderson commented on the event’s immediate success on the CWSMC blog; “The turn out for the first café was everything and more than we had hoped for. People came, chatted, made contacts and found out more about what is going on around social media in Warwickshire. A really good mix of people from local government, universities, arts organisations, private companies and freelancers came and we are so happy that everyone gave it a punt for the first one.”
The Coventry and Warwickshire Social Media Cafe gets under way
Althorpe Enterprise Hub- Success story for first tenants
Althorpe Enterprise Hub has been in operation since April 2009 and a number of small businesses are working from the Hub in the areas of web design, graphic design, publishing and consultancy.
Martin Gordon, Managing Director of Formation Media, comments on how beneficial the move into the hub has been for his business: “The premises and Hub support have given us a genuine presence, we have secured many local clients and the success has enabled us to recruit additional members to the team”. For more details regarding the premises, or to arrange a viewing, please call the Althorpe Enterprise team on 01926 333222 or e-mail enterprise@warwickdc.gov.uk.
Formation Media – Specialising in Web design, Graphic design and Print available at www.fmnmedia.co.uk.
Court Street Creative Arches are focus of attention
There’s already been plenty of interest surrounding the newly opened Court Street Creative Arches. With unique and generously sized office spaces, it is no wonder that the Arches are now an exciting new option for industries seeking an outlet for their creativity. The Creative Arches benefit from competitive rents and low service charges, along with excellent transport links and adjacent car parking. Each arch is fitted out with the latest technological facilities, including WiMax Connectivity, delivering high-speed broadband internet access over a wireless connection.
Court Street Creative Arches are fully complete and ready to view now. For more information regarding lease arrangements, rents, and the opportunity that these premises present for your creative business, e-mail enterprise@warwickdc.gov.uk or call Heather Aston on 01926 333222.
Rashleigh Music Live (Hugh Rashleigh and Matt Bramhall)
perform for guests during the opening event at the Court Street Creative Arches.
Free advice and support for new businesses
Emma Rynberk from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is holding one-to-one advice sessions for those in the process of starting up their own business. These sessions are available by appointment, every other Tuesday at the Althorpe Enterprise Hub. To book, contact Gemma Basterfield, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on 024 7665 4321.Emma works with individuals, helping them to turn their ideas into a successful business. There is a wealth of support and guidance available, including:
-
Inspiration and motivation, helping you to discover the opportunities of becoming your own boss
-
Generating new ideas and enabling you to problem solve and overcome challenges
-
Advice & information on legal and financial issues
-
Information on researching and marketing your business
-
Help to prepare your business plans
-
Working with other professionals and agencies to overcome personal barriers to starting in business
-
Referrals to other professionals and business support agencies
One of Emma's clients is Rob Coles: having attended an Enterprising Warwickshire Workshop at Althorpe Enterprise Hub in June 2009, followed by subsequent one-to-one mentoring with Emma, Rob started a successful new business, Aspex Procurement, and is now based at the Althorpe Enterprise Hub.
Community Enterprise Officer
Ian Kirkwood, Community Enterprise Officer for Warwick District, has been out and about raising the profile of enterprise in our communities and assisting local people who are considering starting their own business. Information about Ian’s role and the services available can be found at One Stop Shops and Community notice boards throughout the Leamington and Warwick area. Ian is based at the brand-new Brunswick Enterprise Zone at the Brunswick Healthy Living Centre, Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa. The newly refurbished Healthy Living Centre re-opened in October 2009.
Ian is available at the following community centres in Leamington on a regular basis:
Bath Place Community Venture: contact Ian for current arrangements
Sydni Centre: Wednesday 10-12
Lillington Chain: Thursday 10-12
Contact Ian on 01926 422123; email ian.kirkwood@warwickdc.gov.uk
Free Events and Business Guides
Business Link West Midlands is holding a range of free business seminars for those interested in picking up practical tips from business experts and learn what worked well for other organisations.
The FREE events include:
Venue: Chesford Grange Hotel, Chesford Bridge, Kenilworth, Nr Warwick, CV8 2LD
Promoting your Business Effectively - 20/10/2009
Venue: Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Warwick Road, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 0NR
Creating an Innovative Culture - 29/10/2009
Venue: Chesford Grange Hotel, Chesford Bridge, Kenilworth, Nr Warwick, CV8 2LD
All events start at 9:15am and finish at 12 noon.
To find out more and book your place, simply get in touch by calling 0845 113 1234* or visit www.howtowithbl.co.uk
* Lines are open weekdays 8am-6pm and calls are charged at local rate.
Conference room at Althorpe Enterprise Hub available to hire
Althorpe Enterprise Hub offers a modern, fully-equipped room available to hire at affordable, all inclusive prices.
Our conference room is bright and contemporary and provides all amenities for a successful conference. Equipped with whiteboards, 2 flip charts and a fully functional projection system, with the capacity to seat up to 12 people in boardroom and 20 people theatre style.
Prices range from £100 per day hire charge; however this can be reduced for shorter requirements.
