News

Monday 13 March 2006

Hemingway helps to launch new business development centre

The Hive@Mansfield
20 March 2006, 3.30pm - 5.00pm, Mansfield i-Centre

Wayne Hemingway, one of the UK's most acclaimed designers and a leading entrepreneur, will be the guest speaker at the launch of The Hive@Mansfield - a purpose built, fully supported, business germination and incubation centre.  The new facilities, an offshoot of Nottingham Trent University's award-winning Hive, has been launched in conjunction with Nottinghamshire County Council, to provide help and support for new business ventures in the area.

The Hive@Mansfield, which is based in the Mansfield i-Centre, will offer all the facilities needed for 'start-ups' including 'hot desks', networking areas, meeting rooms, computing equipment with internet access and secretarial support.  Participants will also have access to Nottingham Trent University's extensive knowledge base and expertise, which has already helped over 150 individual entrepreneurs over the last four years.  

Mr Hemingway, who as a young entrepreneur developed the highly successful Red or Dead clothing label, will relay his own experiences at the launch event.

He said: "It's not easy to start up your own business, it takes drive, guts and often, help.  Entrepreneurs are vital to the health of society and the Hive is exactly what some entrepreneurs need to get a foothold on the ladder."

Even before the launch The Hive@Mansfield has already attracted significant interest in its 'HeadStart' business start-up support programme.  Only 10 places remain for the 12 week course starting in April.  The initiative helps people to identify the market and financial viability of their business ideas.    

Gail Dixon, Director of Business Innovation and Creation at Nottingham Trent University, said: "The University has a fantastic track record in mentoring entrepreneurs.  Since launching The Hive on our City campus four years ago, we have helped to create 59 new businesses as well as helping many others develop their concepts, evaluate opportunities and prepare plans through our business programmes." 

"Our success has been recognised with an A* in the recent emda review of business incubation in the East Midlands.  We have every confidence that we will achieve the same level of success at the new Mansfield Hive." 

Councillor Chris Winterton, from Nottingham County Council, added: "Nottinghamshire County Council, working with partners such as Nottingham Trent University, is keen to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in Nottinghamshire." 

"This project is an excellent example of how we can assist entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas and create successful, sustainable businesses."

The Hive@Mansfield is co-funded by Nottinghamshire County Council Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF-ll) and the Alliance SSP.

For further information on the Headstart programme or The Hive@Mansfield, log onto www.businesshive.ntu.ac.uk or contact mansfieldhive@ntu.ac.uk,telephone 01623 600685. 
 
ENDS

For more information please contact:

Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, Nottingham Trent University, on +44 (0)115 848 6589 or therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.

Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2650 or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk.