Stevenage Supports Small Businesses

GEORGE DERBYSHIRE, the former chief executive of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies has condemned the cuts as driven by financial hardship rather than issues of policy, and has spoken out against the withdrawal of support, commenting that it was “vital for a proportion of the population”.   

Approximately 500,000 people embark on new businesses each year, with just under a third having actively sought face-to-face support for their nascent companies. That figure doesn’t even begin to include the thousands of existing firms that seek advice on how to tap new markets or further develop products and services. As such, professional business advice is rapidly becoming the preserve of companies which already have strong financial backing and may well leave smaller firms at a considerable disadvantage. 

Although there are several private and charitable organisations which continue to help small businesses, they often do not have the resources to provide the level of support required and may be located too far away to ensure that the type of face-to-face advice that new entrepreneurs value is easily available. Thankfully, many local authorities recognise the vital importance of nurturing new businesses and have implemented a range of programmes accordingly. One authority that presides over a particularly proactive regime of business support is Stevenage Borough Council.

The Council has overseen the development of several affordable office and workshop developments and has worked closely with not-for-profit organization, Wenta, to provide a business incubation service where new companies can access a range of valuable services. Indeed, Stevenage has entered a new era, with ambitious plans for growth and development to 2021.

The town has been identified in the East of England Plan as a Key Centre for Development and Change and as a strategically important employment location for the region.

The Business and Technology Centre (btc) in Stevenage is a well established enterprise and innovation centre providing flexible, quality facilities and on-site business support.

In 2009 the btc underwent a major expansion. This new development was part of Stevenage Borough Council’s vision to create quality business space and support in the heart of the business community and is part of a £7M investment. This multi million pound development supports the btc in being the primary innovation and technology centre in Hertfordshire, aimed at supporting small and medium business as well as promoting innovation.

The goal of the btc is to make a positive impact on the area by assisting businesses, especially those from the knowledge-based sector, to start-up and grow, as well as supporting existing innovation businesses to flourish. It also promotes innovation in local schools and colleges and works closely with the University of Hertfordshire.

Innovatively, the Centre also offers a virtual office service for businesses that are not ready for a full time office, or simply don't require one at present. As well as providing a central address for posted correspondence, clients can also use the conference and meeting rooms and the services of a full-time receptionist to either takes message or give out another number.

The btc is also home to a business incubation centre called ‘My Incubator’, a pioneering new initiative designed to support entrepreneurs and create successful businesses. Also run by Wenta, the service works with new businesses to ensure that they are ready to sell their product or service, raise money, or become investor ready. Clients working with My Incubator also have access to a number of services free of charge for the first three months, such as a hot desk; telephony and broadband; a mailbox and telephone answer service; ongoing mentoring from a dedicated advsor and computer facilities. In particualr, the centre aims to help new businesses network with other organisations and to help overcome the initial hurdles of setting up a company. Each My Incubator advisor will be able to help with reviewing business plans, exploring early-stage marketing opportunities, advising on funding channels, and providing introductions to market experts and business angels. The intention is that once businesses are fully established, they can then expand and move to an individual office suite within the btc, whilst still having a comprehensive support network to rely on.

However, it’s not only businesses in the knowledge-based sector that are benefitting from Stevenage’s growth plans. Chells industrial estate specialises in affordable workshop space and provides 15 single-storey workshop units that range from 67m2 to 126m2 (720 ft2 to 1355 ft2) and are suitable for a variety of business types, plus an office block containing six small offices. The units are all let on ‘easy in easy out’ monthly licence terms, which means that nascent entrepreneurs can start with a smaller unit and move as they grow without any hassle.

The estate was planned to ensure that small businesses don’t have to worry about any additional costs, and as such, the monthly rent includes building insurance, maintenance, cleaning, toilet and washroom facilities, as well as security patrols. Moreover, all units have free on-site parking and five hours of free use of the interview rooms at the tbc. Tony Shephard of Tiger Flooring commented, "We have been renting our unit for nearly two years now. Wenta have been extremely accommodating to our individual business needs, as well as providing outstanding customer service. Nothing is too much trouble for them. They provide a very professional, but personable service; I would not hesitate in recommending them to potential business owners." 

For more information on investment opportunities in Stevenage, see our Stevenage Borough Council pages