Member Article

Business hub for migrant entrepreneurs in London

Plans are underway for a new 6,700 square-foot business hub boasting 150 hot desks and 40 desks in private offices which will open in Central London in January 2016, with the aim of helping migrant entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground.

The brainchild of Brazilian born serial entrepreneur Rafael Dos Santos, the new Mi-Hub will be the first international workspace of its kind in Europe, designed specifically with the needs of migrant entrepreneurs in mind who are trying to establish or grow a business in the UK. It is being funded by social enterprise This Foreigner Can and a number of private investors.

According to Mr Dos Santos, who first arrived in the UK over a decade ago to learn English, the key issues facing migrant entrepreneurs are access to funding, knowledge (of suppliers and customers etc) and knowing the right networks to be part of.

The new Mi-Hub, based near The Gherkin, aims to bring together all of these services under one roof allowing for practical support via office space but also valuable additional benefits including training, mentoring, networking and co-working opportunities. There will also be free access to training and networking events which will take place at weekends.

Prices for desks start at £320 per hot desk (including VAT) or £199 (plus VAT) for the first month if tenants sign up by 31st December 2015. Private office prices are £600 (plus VAT) or £499 (plus VAT) if tenants do so by the December deadline.

Businesses will be offered a flexible 1-month contract with 1-month notice as well access to a receptionist who will work Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. All bills will be included in the price and the office space will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Mr Dos Santos said:

“We conducted a survey over the summer of migrant entrepreneurs and found that two-thirds of those questioned struggled to access the funding needed to start their business. As a company founded by migrant entrepreneurs, we understand the challenges that come with starting and growing a business in the UK and our new Mi-Hub in London Liverpool Street will provide people with a central place of work where they can come to share ideas, gain valuable connections, build their knowledge and ultimately, improve the chances of their business being a success.“

Viewings are now taking place and any enquiries should be made to the Mi-Hub sales team on telephone: 0208 133 03 51 or email: joinus@mi-hub.com

ENDS

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