Business and enterprise hub reveals opening date

City of Wolverhampton’s business workspace and start-up centre IGNITE will open its doors next month.

The authority is launching the facility, which will launch on July 11, to attract start-ups and support people into employment and training.

It is located in ground floor units three and four of the council’s i10 office and retail complex at the heart of the city centre’s £150m transport Interchange.

The council has funded the new hub, which will be run in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton and Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

It will provide free co-working and meeting space, events, training – virtual and physical – and support to inspire start-ups and business growth.

Council leader Ian Brookfield, said: “We’ve already received fantastic feedback about IGNITE and the investment we have made in this much-needed facility.

“Around 97% of businesses in the city employ less than 50 people and the need for more joined up business support for SMEs is critical – and with funding cuts to other provision in the city we know this will be well-used by budding entrepreneurs, start-ups and those that require some support to establish and grow their business or to develop their ideas.

“IGNITE will provide a space to work with like-minded individuals and to access support.

“The aim is that it will deliver more business registrations and prevent start-ups from failing, and create and safeguard jobs in the city.”

Black Country Chamber of Commerce director of business services, Karen Webb, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the council and the University to bring IGNITE to Wolverhampton.

“The city is increasingly a focus for business investment and innovation and IGNITE is set to provide a hub for budding entrepreneurs and those working in business to come together for events, training and a place to share ideas and collaborate.

“We’re looking forward to playing our part to ensure that IGNITE becomes an integral part of the city’s thriving business community.”

Tim Steele, pro vice-chancellor global opportunities at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The University of Wolverhampton is delighted to be a partner in this important initiative and in doing so to play our role in helping support, develop and upskill our local business base in this key growth sector.”