East Suffolk - Suffolk Coastal District Council and Waveney District Council

07/26/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/26/2022 09:38

New innovation hub to support entrepreneurship in East Suffolk

Posted by on 26 July 2022 | Comments

A new co-working space is set to launch in East Suffolk this week - allowing local businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups access to cutting-edge technology and support services.

Innovation Labs, which has opened hubs in Stowmarket, Sudbury and Stowmarket since 2019, will be launching its latest location at Riduna Park, Melton, on Wednesday 27 July.

The initiative has received backing from East Suffolk Council and the Suffolk Inclusive Growth Investment Fund (SIGIF), managed by Suffolk Growth on behalf of Suffolk's Public Sector Leaders.

With initial capacity for 35 individuals, the newest hub will aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through sharing knowledge, networking, mentorship, business support services and funding advice.

The launch will also mark the initiation of an ambitious pop-up outreach programme, which will visit towns across East Suffolk over an 18-month period and is designed to inspire the adoption of advanced technologies, while delivering innovation and business support services directly to communities, beginning with Saxmundham in August, and followed by Rendlesham, Lowestoft, Leiston and Framlingham.

Peter Basford, director and cofounder, hopes to build on the already vibrant local business community by supporting entrepreneurship, business growth, innovation and the development of advanced skills to help create start-ups, scaling businesses and high value jobs for the local economy. He added:

"Innovation Labs is a pioneering, co-working space and innovation hub concept.

"We will be offering a completely unique blend of world-leading support, advice and facilities, with a proven track record of nurturing regional innovation and business growth."

Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk Council's Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development, said:

"I'm delighted to welcome Innovation Labs to East Suffolk. I hope the new centre can help incubate and accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth in our district. It will give small local businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups the chance to access the latest technology and to collaborate in a co-working space, while the pop-up outreach programme will be of value to other business hubs across our district."

Karen Chapman, Suffolk Growth Partnership Manager, said:

"The proposal to establish both a physical Innovation Lab in Melton and a wider programme of outreach support in East Suffolk towns was welcomed by Suffolk Growth, and our grant of £80,000 will help raise the profile of the area as a key site for growing businesses.

"Furthermore, integration with the wider network of business and innovation hubs across Suffolk will strengthen the impact achieved and help to ensure businesses across the region can access consistent support."

More details of the launch can be found at Eventbrite. Interested businesses and start-ups can apply for co-working space via innovationlabsgroup.com.