Funding support for business hub to produce next generation of entrepreneurs

Redevelopment of Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown has taken a major step towards final completion after Unity Enterprise secured funds to support establishment of a high-tech business hub.

Leeds City Council, which owns the building, has provided £80,000 from the Innovation@Leeds capital fund to equip the dedicated space with new furniture, video conferencing facilities and computer hardware.

Leeds Media Centre reopened its doors in September following a £1.8m refurbishment which included installation of a new roof and windows, and the remodelling of two floors to create 12 new business units.

The scheme was delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Leeds Media Centre is one of three business locations operated by Unity Enterprise close to the city centre, together with Chapeltown Enterprise Centre and Unity Business  Centre.

Collectively, they provide 142 managed workspaces for more than 90 local businesses employing over 900 people.

The new business hub is set to launch in the spring with a week-long series of events themed on entrepreneurship.

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said: “We are immensely grateful to Leeds City Council for their continued backing for aspiring entrepreneurs by enabling us to kit out the business hub with the best equipment available.

“Our mission is to support local people to launch and grow a business and create life opportunities in an inner-city part area with so much potential.

“The redeveloped Leeds Media Centre is already making its mark on the city’s business landscape.   I have no doubt that the new hub will propel the site to even greater heights.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “This is another brilliant step forward for Leeds Media Centre and further reinforces our commitment to inclusive innovation within the city.

“We’re continuing to build and support an ecosystem where entrepreneurs from every background have the tools, quality workspaces and accommodation close to where they live to help them reach their full potential.

“It is particularly important that we look at access points outside the city centre for people to access business and innovation support programmes and continue on our bold ambition to stimulate innovation which drives and delivers measurable impact towards a healthier, greener and inclusive future.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “Each new business generated by the hub can transform life chances by boosting career development, generating jobs and increasing local prosperity.

“With Unity Enterprise preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, the opportunities for people of all ages to build a sustainable business in Chapeltown are growing rapidly.

“Working with Leeds City Council and other valued partners, we intend to remain at the forefront of this crusade.”