Six-figure up-date boosts demand at Hartlepool business centre

UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, has ploughed a six-figure sum into its flagship Innovation Centre in Hartlepool to meet the growing demand for more flexible workspace.

The project at the Centre on the Queens Meadow Business Park has provided smaller office units and hot-desking facilities to suit the newer and hybrid ways of working alongside more shared areas for networking and coffee get-togethers.

The re-styled reception area will play host to a joint drop-in event organised by UKSE and Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Development team.

The informal ‘Support To Grow Your Own Business’ event on Tuesday April 25 will give existing business owners and anyone thinking about starting their own business information about the range of free business support available - from finance and grant funding, premises and workforce development to help with digital needs and international trade.

UKSE’s two Innovation Centres at Hartlepool and Redcar each house around 50 growing businesses involved in sectors from software, law, finance and engineering to water softeners, healthcare, design and construction.

They were purpose-built to meet the needs of young and growing businesses at cost-effective rates with no long leases and support from an on-site UKSE team.

Tenants praise the friendly community, the offices and workshops costing from as little as £50 per week, fully equipped meeting rooms, high speed broadband, free parking, 24-hour access, manned reception and on-site gym.

UKSE also provides finance of up to £1m to help businesses in its steel areas grow and create jobs.

Joan Cook, UKSE workspace manager, said: “It is great to see the new shared areas being so well-used by tenants and visitors to the Centre and we are looking forward to welcoming people to the drop-in event on April 25.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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