Leeds Beckett University, in partnership with Calderdale Council, will launch a new initiative to drive growth amongst early-stage and growing businesses this spring.
The University Business Centre will be based at Piece Mill in Halifax, situated next to the historic Piece Hall. After extensive redevelopment of this important and historic mill, the University is set to open its doors there at the beginning of May.
The Leader of the Council, Cllr Tim Swift said:
“We’re delighted to work in partnership with Leeds Beckett, and it’s great news that The University Business Centre (UBC) is opening its doors.
“We have a strong micro-business base here in Calderdale and through the close partnership with Leeds Beckett and the UBC we have a real opportunity to help and encourage businesses to share knowledge and inspire innovation.
“A developing and thriving business landscape will bring real benefits for Calderdale, boosting the local economy and leading to the creation of new jobs for the borough.”
Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, said:
“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 University Business Centre will allow businesses to access a prestigious Halifax town centre-registered business address, private newly-renovated office space with gigabit broadband as well as a virtual office, co-working and hot-desk facilities. Companies will also receive Leeds Beckett business advice and mentoring, professional training and development as well as access to knowledge transfer and research expertise.
In addition, clients will enjoy free access to Leeds Beckett’s network of business lounges, which are shared with specialist member organisations and will have the opportunity to attend free innovation networking events, where leading experts and entrepreneurs come together to inspire and support business growth.
Piece Mill is an impressive converted mill providing open plan, affordable office and meeting space plus a range of business support in the centre of Halifax. The centre is part of a network of Leeds Beckett University Business Centres that have been operating for more than 15 years.
More than 250 businesses across the region are currently located in Leeds Beckett’s private, shared and co-working spaces which, to date, have supported over 850 businesses to accelerate their growth. Support from Leeds Beckett has been proven to almost double business sustainability, with a 95% business survival rate in the first year of trading.
Businesses based within the centre can also access a fully funded range of specialist support, provided through partners such as AdVenture, Halifax Courier, Yorkshire Bank, Lupton Fawcett, Halifax Bid, Exa Networks, Mid-Yorkshire Chamber, and more.
To find out more please visit www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/halifaxbusinesscentre(external link).
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