Many people start out in business working from home, but for some, this is or can become difficult because of lack of space and facilities. To help and encourage growth and development in areas of Ashfield, Mansfield and Bolsover, where rates for business start up and survival are below regional and national averages, Alliance for Enterprise is funding a network of fully equipped incubation centre.

These incubation centres offer desk space for between one and five people and most come equipped with a PC, phone, broadband connection and access to photocopying, meeting room and kitchen facilities together with professional business support and advice.

Julian Wright, of Cloud Nine Design, is based in a centre at Armstrong Hall, Mansfield.

“The office incubation units have been ideal for my needs as a new business and the support we have received from the Alliance for Enterprise is much valued. They have provided unlimited support and constructive ideas which have been instrumental in getting Cloud 9 Design off the ground.”

There are currently nine centres available across the area and the latest to be approved for funding will provide much-needed small office units at the Shirebrook Enterprise Centre.

Incubation centres already open or nearing completion include:

• Ashfield Business Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield
• Ashfield Skills Centre based at Ashfield School
• Kingsway Lodge Business Centre, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
• Neighbourhood Business Incubation Centre, Armstrong Hall, Mansfield
• Neighbourhood Incubation Centre, Warsop
• Neighbourhood Incubation Centre, Park Road, Mansfield Woodhouse
• Neighbourhood Incubation Centre, Langford Road, Mansfield
• Shireoaks Enterprise Centre, Bellamy Road, Mansfield
• Station Business Centre, Clowne

For information on any of the above incubation units and to check availability, please call the Alliance for Enterprise on 01623 457158.