Two new and expanding businesses have moved in to Broxtowe’s new Business ‘Incubator’ Hub in Beeston, thanks to a unique Council initiative to transform flats above retail space in Beeston Town Centre. Philip Davis of Island HVAC Systems, an air purification systems company for residential and commercial properties, and Trevor Woolery of Create Animate, an educational animation studio, have moved in and are already seeing the benefits of the Hub.

The hub, on the corner of Station Road in Beeston Town Centre, provides new and expanding businesses that want to grow but may not be able to afford full rent, with desk space and a base to work from. Chair of the Jobs and Economy Committee, Councillor Tony Harper said: “This is one of flagship initiatives of the Council and it’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses. It’s right in the centre of Beeston, an ideal location. The people that have moved in are more than happy with it, it ideally suits their needs, so it suits everybody and is allowing new businesses to thrive.”

“This is a pilot initiative which we’re very proud of, and if we can get a good blueprint on this project then we can move it around Broxtowe and use it for other towns and villages to help many more businesses across the Borough.”

Philip Davis of Island HVAC Systems said: “I decided to move into the Hub because of the flexibility of the contract and the options available for a new start business. Indoor air quality is a growing agenda, particularly air purification on indoor air quality and public health issues, so with Nottingham as a central base the Hub is an opportunity to grow out to the UK and a national audience.”

“It’s been great so far, we’ve had a few meetings here already and we’ll hopefully get a few more networking events available and get the opportunity to meet other new start-ups.

We want to use the Hub as a base to grow our businesses and to look for opportunities with a wider network available in the community.”
The Council will be providing Case Studies of the businesses using the Hub in the coming months to help other new start-up businesses understand the benefits of network working. A tapered rent agreement for four years is available to allow businesses time to grow and afford commercial rent rates. The shared space also offers fantastic networking opportunities with other businesses in the hub.

The space is fully kitted out with:

• Kitchen (including appliances)

• Wi-Fi

• Meeting/Break out Area

• WC

• Communal Outdoor Space

Anyone interested in renting in the Hub should contact Rebecca Ogden on 0115 917 3826 or by emailing economic.development@broxtowe.gov.uk. Find out more about the Beeston Business Hub. The Incubator Hub is just one of a number of Council initiatives to support new business in the area.

Also available is a £1,000 Grants scheme for start-up business throughout Broxtowe. Any registered businesses that are not yet trading are free to apply, and interested applicants need to showcase up to a £2,000 spend on eligible activity. Find out more about Broxtowe Start-Up Grants.