University launches new centre to boost business growth

Leeds Beckett University has launched a new business centre to drive growth amongst early-stage and growing businesses.

The University Business Centre, in partnership with Wakefield Council and Wakefield College, is located at 6-8 Bond Terrace and at the Wakefield College sister site, and offers affordable office services and meeting spaces to early-stage and growing businesses.

Access to professional business lounges and meeting facilities across Wakefield, including at Wakefield One, are also available.

Katie Rigarlsford, University Business Centre and regional development manager at Leeds Beckett, said: “We are delighted at the launch of our new business centres in Wakefield and in particular to be able to extend the value of our partnership working with both Wakefield Council and Wakefield College. Together we are committed to supporting business and job creation in the Wakefield District and to creating a pathway for higher level skills. We also could not deliver this without the support of our partners. Working together to support our business centre clients is sure to provide the ideal platform for growth for the individual businesses and for the district as a whole.”

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, added: “Leeds Beckett is committed to supporting growth and prosperity in our region. This initiative is the latest example of this and will provide access to resources and knowledge that will accelerate growth in new and developing businesses.”

The centre allows clients access to a Wakefield city centre-registered business address and private, newly-renovated office space – including three co-working suites, 11 offices, a meeting room, and hot-desk and virtual office facilities.

Clients also receive free access to Leeds Beckett’s network of business lounges across Yorkshire, which are shared with specialist member organisations, such as the Institute of Directors.