University of Wolverhampton sets up new business centre at Hereford EZ
THE University of Wolverhampton is to set up its business support service at the heart of Hereford’s Enterprise Zone.
It has agreed with the Hereford Enterprise Zone to set up a Business Solutions Centre at the 100-acre Skylon Park, which was awarded enterprise zone status in 2011.
The centre, due to open in July, will provide a range of activities and services to businesses in the Marches area including delivering the recently won £4.3m Regional Growth Fund backed Greenshoots grant funding, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, development of a business start-up programme, delivery of Continuous Professional Development programmes and consultancy services.
It will also establish a business network for firms in the Enterprise Zone and provide a range of skills and technology development workshops and provide a hot-desking facility for businesses.
The venture will be based upon the Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre, at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park.
Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and External Engagement, said: “First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to be part of Skylon Park, the enterprise zone and the city of Hereford.
“We have been welcomed with open arms by the various bodies in Hereford and this reflects our approach to widening our presence in the region and acting as a beacon for opportunity, innovation, enterprise and skills.
“We very much see our role as one of economic regeneration and development and we hope this new Business Solutions Centre will develop a true sense of confidence and entrepreneurialism in the city.”
He said the university’s intention was to see the centre become the first port of call for business growth and innovation inquiries in the area.
“It also complements the recent £4.3m expansion of the Green Shoots Fund, which is to help businesses grow by offering access to grants of up to £150,000 and to expert business mentors. This scheme has proved highly successful in the Black Country helping more than 200 businesses and has now been extended to include Hereford and the Marches,” he added.
Bill Jackson, chairman of the Enterprise Zone Board, said: “Skylon Park is a world-class business landscape, attracting millions of pounds worth of investment from companies wanting to grow their businesses here.
“We’re delighted to welcome the University of Wolverhampton, which will be supporting these investors and other companies across Herefordshire, by providing business support services as well as a range of other benefits, including the sharing of expertise and knowledge.”
