Our History
How do we know so much about business support you might ask? Wenta started out as a small business itself back in 1983 so understands what it's like to go on the journey! With over 37 years of experience, Wenta has continually been providing support to the small business communities. Learn more about our history, from then to now. Here's a timeline summary of our journey so far:
October 2020
Wenta partners with Watford Borough Council
We've partnered with Watford Borough Council to launch 'The Business Recovery & Growth Programme' in Watford.
This programme has been launched for Watford based businesses and residents free business support, tailored to the needs of the local community.
The BRG Programme offers free of charge access to services such as one-to-one business advice, skills training webinars and workshops, access to co-working and incubation space for small businesses, plus a range of specialist support. The programme is available to all Watford businesses as well as residents that are thinking of becoming self-employed. Read the news article and explore the programme here.
Image shows Watford based business and Wenta clients, the 'D20 Boardgame Cafe' (left), with Wenta's CEO - Ed Jordan and Watford's Mayor - Peter Taylor (right).
2020
COVID-19 Support
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Wenta has been supporting the business community with a strong focus on small business survival and rebuilding, running alongside the support for start-ups and small business growth.
As part of that support, Wenta's CEO, Ed Jordan, launched a Government petition to extend cash grants to small businesses that fall outside of the support shown to those who qualify for SBRR (Small Business Rates Relief). Read more.
2019
The Collaboraion Stations
Wenta launches two new co-workspaces at our business centres in Enfield and Potters Bar designed for start-ups (business incubation), small businesses and other business professionals. These are known as 'The Collaboration Stations'.
Earlier in 2019...
Business support successes!
- Wenta won The Business & Technology Centre contract (btc) again! Click to learn more!
- We continued to support a lot of pre-starts, start-ups and small businesses, as shown in our 2018-19 Annual Review. Click to take a look.
2018
We turned 35!
This year marked the beginning of our 35th Anniversary celebrations. Proceedings started off in August with the launch of The Business Bookshelf, an online resource full of useful articles, templates, tips and tricks to help small businesses start-up and grow! Further celebrations will continue well into 2019!
Want to know more? Take a look at our annual review!
2017
Wenta welcomes new CEO
Chris Pichon hands over the reigns of Chief Executive to Ed Jordan, ex-Chief Executive of The Peel Institute and ex-Chief Operating Officer at Coin Street Community Builders.
More from 2017...
The year of launches!
We launched a new Wenta website and the Wenta Online Community platform.
Wenta launched its online business support portal, Wenta Online. This was the beginning of our free live chat business advice service, accessible directly from the Wenta website. plus, clients are able to join and create their own group discussions within the Wenta Online Community area, as well as access business support resources.
2016
We've got pride!
Wenta receives 'Pride of Stevenage' Award for the support provided at the btc.
Wenta (btc) is crowned the winner of 'The Enterprise Award' at the Pride of Stevenage Awards 2016 in recognition of the outstanding business support provided to Stevenage residents and businesses.
2015
Buckingham Palace and Lifetime Achievements
Wenta's Chief Executive, Chris Pichon, receives Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion - Lifetime Achievement Award.
Wenta Chief Executive, Chris Pichon, receives The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion - Lifetime Achievement Award at Buckingham Palace reflecting all the great work achieved at Wenta.
2014
Awards and record-breaking support
Wenta awarded 'The Future of Enterprise Support' Award for a pioneering approach to business support.
- After a massively successful first year, Wenta wins The Future of Enterprise Support Award from the National Enterprise Network for their pioneering approach to business support and 'Mi Ventures' live chat business advice platform.
- Wenta also helped a record number of over 1200 new start-up businesses, this number will continue to grow over the following years!
2013
We turned 30!
Wenta celebrated its 30th Anniversary with the purchase of a 5th location and launch online business advice service!
- Wenta launches sister company – 'Mi Ventures', an innovative online service which moves business support into the digital era, providing instant live chat business advice online.
- Wenta purchases its fifth location: The Wenta Business Centre in Enfield.
- Wenta celebrates their 30th anniversary with a conference at Knebworth Barns around the theme ‘Inspiring Today, Inspiring Tomorrow’.
- Wenta awarded Local Enterprise Agency of the Year for its range of enterprise support services and customer service record.
2012
A visit from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and more...
Wenta was awarded 'Future of Enterprise Support' Award and we were visited by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh:
- Wenta received the Future of Enterprise Support Award from the National Enterprise Network for excellence in business support delivery and the concept for Mi Ventures, a new initiative to be launched the following year.
- A sixth business start-up incubator is launched at Hertford Regional College making it the first business incubator within a further education college.
- Due to popular demand, our business incubation facility at the btc is refurbished and expanded. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh officially opens the newly refurbished facility in Stevenage.
2011
The Enterprise Centre in Potters Bar receives £250,000 makeover & two further incubators launched in Watford and Potters Bar
My Incubator continues to support pre-starts and start-up businesses and expands into Watford and Potters Bar.
During this time, The Enterprise Centre in Potters Bar receives a £250,000 makeover.
2010
Wenta awarded 'National Enterprise Award for Innovation' and second business start-up incubator launched
Following the success of My Incubator at the btc, a second shared workspace facility for start-ups is launched in Luton.
Wenta are awarded the 'National Enterprise Award for Innovation' by The National Enterprise Network (NEN) for Wenta's business incubation facilities and start-up services.
2009
Wenta launch ground-breaking business start-up incubator at the btc in Stevenage
Wenta are awarded a contract by Stevenage Borough Council to manage The Business and Technology Centre and Chells Industrial Units in Stevenage.
2009 sees the launch of our ground-breaking business incubation facility within the btc, ‘My Incubator’. This service gives new businesses an ideal environment to start and grow their business in, complete with on-site business advisor, meeting room facilities and free training courses.
2008
Wenta celebrates its 25th anniversary
Wenta celebrates its 25th anniversary with a conference at Hatfield House around the theme ‘inspiring enterprise’.
Small business owners and thought leaders gather to celebrate 25 years of enterprise support.
2007
Wenta Business Services is re-branded to Wenta
Wenta Business Services is re-branded to Wenta and our current brand elements are created.
2004
The Wenta Business Centre - Watford is redeveloped and extended
The Wenta Business Centre in Watford undergoes re-development and a new eco-office block is erected providing 24 new offices for small businesses.
2003
Watford Enterprise Agency re-brands to Wenta Business Services
Marking our 20th anniversary, Watford Enterprise Agency is re-branded to Wenta Business Services.
2000
Awarded 'Investor in People Award' and first website launched
Watford Enterprise Agency are awarded the 'Investor in People Award' for ‘excellence and making a difference every day’.
2000 was also the year that we launched our first ever website!
1999
Enterprise programme launched across local schools
Watford Enterprise Agency introduce a ground-breaking programme for inspiring enterprise in schools - delivering training courses and events to students throughout Hertfordshire and educating them that self-employment is a viable option when leaving school.
1995
Chris Pichon announced as new Chief Executive of Watford Enterprise Agency
Ken Hards, our first Chief Executive, stands down and hands the reigns over to ex Watford Enterprise Agency client, Chris Pichon.
1991
The Enterprise Centre in Potters Bar opened by Graham Gooch
Construction finishes and The Enterprise Centre is formally opened by cricket legend, Graham Gooch. Watford Enterprise Agency now operates two business centres in Hertfordshire.
1989
Works begin on new business centre in Potters Bar
After seeing the success of our first business centre in Watford, Hertsmere Borough Council approach us to construct a new business centre in Potters Bar. Construction starts in late 1989.
1986
HRH Prince Charles opens our first business centre
HRH Prince Charles formally opens our first business centre (now known as 'The Wenta Business Centre') in Watford - where our Head Office is still based today.
1984
The first business centre
A disused factory site in Watford is converted into offices and workshops, providing affordable space to small businesses and valuable funding for our business advice service.
1983
Watford Enterprise Agency first founded.
Wenta, originally named as Watford Enterprise Agency, was founded in 1983 by a group of local business men in Watford to support small business owners.
