Business growth set to boom in Halifax with new Leeds Beckett business centre

Leeds Beckett University, in partnership with Calderdale Council, is launching a new initiative to drive growth amongst early-stage and growing businesses.

The University Business Centre will be based at Piece Mill in Halifax, situated next to the historic Piece Hall, which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound transformation programme and will re-open later this year.

The centre will allow businesses to access a Halifax town centre-registered business address, private newly-renovated office space with high speed 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 benefit from 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 networking events, where experts and entrepreneurs come together to support business growth.

Piece Mill is a 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. Over 200 businesses across the region are currently located in Leeds Beckett’s private, shared and co-working spaces which to date have supported over 800 businesses to accelerate their growth.

Councillor Tim Swift, leader of Calderdale Council, explained: “We’re delighted to welcome Leeds Beckett University to Halifax, as it underlines our commitment, and our ambition, to drive economic growth across Calderdale.

“We have a strong entrepreneurial tradition in Calderdale, with over 6,900 micro-business already based here.

“Our partnership with Leeds Beckett will help these businesses to thrive, inspiring innovation and sharing the knowledge and skills to encourage growth and the creation of new jobs.”

Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, added: “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.”

Leeds Beckett University and Calderdale Council recently signed a formal agreement with the aim of working together to boost the economy in and around Calderdale.

Professor Andrew Slade, deputy vice chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Leeds Beckett, and Merran McRae, chief executive of Calderdale Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to provide joint business support and engagement, learning, research, development and outreach opportunities.