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North East the focus for new business support pilot

THE Minister of State for Business and Enterprise has announced a major boost to the North East’s economic prospects.

The British Library, NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), Newcastle City Council and Northumbria University have agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to examine the set up of a new business support centre in the North East - based on the British Library’s critically acclaimed Business & IP Centre.

Mark Prisk MP, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, said: “The Coalition Government is determined to rebalance the UK economy. That means promoting innovation and enterprise across the whole of the UK.”

“The pilot promises to build on the North East’s proud and innovative history. It will provide residents with tools and information to help them start and grow their own businesses.”

Offering startups and growth business a hub for all their support needs, the centre will aim to provide entrepreneurs with a comprehensive range of services and information on how to research, develop and protect their business ideas.

Jonathan Kestenbaum, chief executive of NESTA, added: “High growth companies are critical to the UK as they are responsible for the majority of job creation and will drive economic recovery.

“The British Library’s Business & IP Centre is a model of excellence providing the targeted support and advice these companies need to prosper.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .