Collaborative workspace for 'green' start-ups expands to London's County Hall

Europe’s largest support ecosystem for green start-ups has expanded into new headquarters within London landmark, County Hall.

Sustainable Ventures’ new venue provides affordable space exclusively ring-fenced for new companies innovating in cleantech or green business.

The environment aims to enable opportunity for collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, access to investors and expertise in securing non-dilutive grant funding, alongside serendipitous opportunities created by chance conversations within its corridors and meeting spaces.

The venue houses more than 50 pioneering sustainable businesses working to support the UK’s drive towards a net zero economy, but the County Hall space will grow to host more than 100 climate tech organisations in over 40,000 sq ft by the end of 2022.

Sustainable Ventures is also a platform for female entrepreneurship with nearly half of its membership comprised of women, including Celia Pool, co-founder of DAME which produces the world’s first reusable tampon applicator and organic cotton tampons, and Agnes Czako, inventor of AirEx, a smart-tech airbrick.

Celia Pool, co-founder of Dame, said: “Working amongst like-minded sustainable businesses really fosters a sense of community, as we know that despite running different companies, we’re all pushing in the same direction.

“The Sustainable Ventures team has been so friendly and accommodating over the two years we’ve used their workspace, always ready to support us as we grow. We love working with Sustainable Ventures so much that we’ve moved with them to their incredible new site at County Hall.”

The project has been supported by both Lambeth Council and Big Issue Invest who separately contributed towards development costs exceeding £5 million.

Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “Lambeth is fast becoming the home of cutting-edge, low-carbon businesses and our partnership with Sustainable Ventures to create this vital space for entrepreneurs will create vital skilled green jobs for our residents.

“It will also see the council beginning to deliver on the recommendations from Lambeth’s citizens’ assembly on the climate crisis in which Lambeth residents called on local business and the public sector to work together in partnership to tackle the climate emergency.”