Mark Prisk MP officially opens My Incubator at Hertford Regional College
My Incubator’s sixth incubation facility was officially opened by Mark Prisk MP at Hertford Regional College, Ware on Friday 7th December 2012.
The resource, which is amongst a network of My Incubator branded incubation centres run by Wenta across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, provides pre-start, new or early stage businesses and social enterprises with a unique business support environment. The facility is completely free for the first three months and offers clients the necessary aid, equipment, advice and training that is needed to start up their business and thrive.
The launch was attended by many guests including The Mayor of Ware - Councillor Phyllis Ballam, Director of Apprenticeships and Business Partnerships at Oaklands College – Jamie Stevenson and Executive Director of North Herts College – Allan Tyrer.
Mark Prisk MP speaking at the launch said, “I’m a great believer that it’s that combination of connections, physical facilities and support which is really what helps a start-up grow and clearly the work that Wenta and Hertford Regional College are doing here is really important”.
“This facility has an extra magic ingredient too. There’s a whole host of young people here at the college who are learning trades and crafts, that can learn from the small businesses too. It’s this mix that I think is the really exciting part of this venture”.
Mark Prisk MP added that Ware is perfect as a base for start-ups, “You have very good facilities, a strong college and a good railway station”.
Among the guests there were also businesses that were already benefiting from My Incubator facilities. Stephanie Adams who runs Motivating Mum East Hertfordshire informal networking events from My Incubator Ware said, “As a new business I find the support I receive at My Incubator Ware invaluable. As well as the use of a hot desk, where I can work flexibly in a professional environment and share ideas with other new businesses who are there, I am able to receive one-to-one business advice from the resident Business Advisor, Liza Armstrong. This has helped me develop my business with a clearer focus on planning and business goals.”
“I am so pleased this excellent facility is available in Ware for start up businesses in this area and look forward to meeting more businesses as they come on board!"
My Incubator Ware was made possible thanks to a successful partnership between Enterprise Agency Wenta, Hertford Regional College, East Herts District Council, Broxbourne Borough Council and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Wenta Chief Executive Chris Pichon added, “We’re expanding our network and giving people in this side of the county the chance to have access to these facilities. For us, this is an exciting time as this is the first time that we’ve linked with a college. Hertford Regional College and ourselves, we’re all very excited about it.”
The launch of the My Incubator service at Hertford Regional College, Ware follows previous success of My Incubator service at Luton, Bedford, Potters Bar, Watford and at the btc in Stevenage which was recently ‘officially’ opened by The Duke of Edinburgh in October 2012.