A new £12 million Enterprise Hub at the University of Hertfordshire has already attracted local businesses.
The new Enterprise Hub, which has been part-funded by a £2.5 million Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is located on the De Havilland campus in Hatfield.
Over the last three years, every corner of the University of Hertfordshire has been opened up to support businesses big and small.
Julie Newlan, pro-vice-chancellor, business and international development, at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “It’s vital that businesses have access to the right support, particularly during this challenging period, and the Enterprise Hub contributes significantly to the existing support we already provide at Herts.
"The Enterprise Hub will allow us to enhance and expand our community of practice, where entrepreneurs, with the support of their peers and like-minded professionals, can discuss their challenges in a supportive environment and meet them head-on.”
Adrian Hawkins, chair of Hertfordshire LEP’s skills & employment board said: “Despite the barriers posed by COVID-19, the take-up from Hertfordshire businesses to date has been incredibly encouraging. Our funding is an investment in their future growth and prosperity, and we urge all those who are eligible for support to find out more.”
Two local businesses have already moved into office space in the Enterprise Hub and it is expected that six out of the seven available offices will be filled by the end of 2020.
Jamal A-Tamimi, founder of Nexus Learn Arabic, is also using the hub's incubation space and said: “I’ve had support from the University of Hertfordshire for the last two years and as a result, I have seen my business grow.
"I was excited to be able to launch Nexus Learn Arabic earlier this year and we have just launched the beta version of our platform.
"The backing I have received from the university has been vital to its early success and being able to work flexibly at the Enterprise Hub has been invaluable.
"The entrepreneurial environment keeps me focused and the knowledge I have gained from engaging with other entrepreneurs has helped grow my business.”
For more visit: go.herts.ac.uk/enterprisehub
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