Uxbridge College's £1m Business Studios

UXBRIDGE COLLEGE LAUNCHES £1M BUSINESS STUDIOS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

 

A £1m project at Uxbridge College to support new businesses was officially launched on Monday December 8.

Hayes Business Studios, at the College's Hayes Community Campus in west London, was officially opened by Councillor Ray Puddifoot, Leader of Hillingdon Council.

The studios will provide low-cost accommodation and support to people starting out in the world of commerce.

So far two of the studios are occupied, by Devine Care, an agency for care workers, and Exhale Training Solutions, which provides work-related training in areas including IT, customer service and business administration.

To mark the launch, Cllr Puddifoot unveiled a plaque in the studios, off Coldharbour Lane, Hayes.

Hillingdon Council is one of the five development partners in the project, which also includes Uxbridge College, the London Development Agency, Heathrow City Partnership and Hillingdon Community Trust.

The 10 studios, between 15m² to 17m², will have subsidised rent and will also include:

. Support and advice to help businesses grow

. Meeting/training room facilities

. Internet access

. Direct street access to modern reception & coffee pod area

. Parking and excellent travel links to central London, Heathrow and the local area

. Spaces all on flexible lease terms

. Office cleaning services, on-site caretaking and security

Occupants will also be able to use all the facilities at the Hayes Community Campus, including Lifestyles fitness suite and restaurant, hair and beauty salons, and take advantage of additional free and subsidised training.

Laraine Smith, Principal of Uxbridge College, said: "Hayes Business Studios are a great addition to Hayes Community Campus, and build on Uxbridge College's 40 years of experience working with employers. The studios offer vital support through subsidised rent, mentorship and training to help fledgling companies grow and succeed. The philosophy behind the studios reflects the College's other work preparing people of all ages for employment, something we have a great record of achievement on, and which is a key part our success."

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: "The Hayes Business Studio is a new and exciting resource within Hillingdon. A dedicated, modern, affordable space which will offer support for young entrepreneurs taking the first tentative steps into the world of business.

"By investing in our young people we are also making an investment in the long-term prosperity of the Hayes area because we are raising skills, ambition and achievement, and encouraging innovative thinking."

John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington, said: "This really innovative scheme is bringing new businesses and more employment to our area, and is an important addition to Uxbridge College's Hayes Community Campus as a whole. Right now we need to support businesses more than ever before, so the launch of Hayes Business Studios could not be more timely."

London Development Agency Chief Executive Peter Rogers said: "It is the London Development Agency's job to help London's businesses grow and prosper. Incubator space like the Hayes Business Studios plugs a real gap in the market. They let new businesses start up and get the support they need to survive and add to London's economic success."

. For more information contact Martin Blandy, Hayes Business Studios manager, on

01895 471010 or email mblandy@uxbridgecollege.ac.uk. Also see www.hayesbusinessstudios.co.uk.