All available space at a new business innovation centre launched by Glyndŵr University was snapped up ahead of its official opening.
The institution held a formal opening celebration of its Enterprise Lounge on Tuesday November 17 to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week 2015.
Housed at the university’s Wrexham campus it offers students and graduates looking to turn their business ideas into reality with furnished office space, in-house expert support and a whole range of essential business resources and facilities.
It is designed to give businesses a kickstart by breaking down two of the most common barriers to success for start-ups – affordable office space and access to support networks.
Six businesses are already operating from the centre, with two more students occupying space to gain business experience ahead of setting up their own company when they graduate.
ZONE Enterprise Hub, Glyndŵr University’s dedicated enterprise service, will be providing every occupant of the Enterprise Lounge with expert business support, one-to-one mentoring, and access to workshops and training in all areas of business development.
Lynda Powell, director of campus management and commercial services, said: “We’re delighted that the centre is now open and even more pleased with the response we’ve had from students.
“We are passionate about supporting entrepreneurship and the enterprise lounge is the result of a lot of hard work by staff across the university to provide students with an opportunity to achieve success in business.”
Mark Childs, a Glyndŵr University graduate, is one of the occupants of the new centre, from where he runs his business, Hybrid Coaching.
Mark said: “I had the idea for the business in 2005 while I was studying and if this kind of service had been here at the time I would definitely have used it.
“We work with a lot of other universities and having the base at Glyndŵr has been essential for building those relations. The access to support networks which the Enterprise Lounge provides is also key.”
The launch of the Enterprise Lounge was followed by an official opening of the new home for Glyndŵr University’s Careers Centre.
The centre has moved into the university’s library building in order to offer an improved service to students.
Assistant Vice-Chancellor Louise Casella said: “The work which will be done from here is hugely important to the university at large and highly valued by students, businesses and employers.
“Students are at the heart of everything we do – we aim to educate, inspire and enable their success.
“I’m confident that the advice and opportunities provided by Careers and the Zone service will enable all Glyndŵr University graduates to head out from here well-equipped for work, life and success.”
