A new centre is set to open its doors in St Austell 20 September to provide dedicated space and fully-funded support for Cornish businesses.
The Pop-Up Innovation Centre, delivered by the Acceleration Through Innovation 2 (ATI2) programme, will offer local businesses the use of meeting and event rooms, hot desks, 3D printing, a mini photography studio and access to business support with innovation accredited advisors.
Launching on 20 September and located at 5 Old Vicarage Place, St Austell, PL25 5YY; it will be accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are looking for facilities to support their business.
The centre forms part of the business outreach services offered by ATI2, which is led by the University of Plymouth and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Cornwall Council.
Businesses can make an appointment to speak to ATI2’s Business Innovation Advisors, who are certified Innovation Practitioners and accredited by the world-renowned Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE).
Jo Hancock, Programme Manager at ATI2, details how the space will benefit businesses: “We aim to support business owners and entrepreneurs who are seeking to connect with others; helping them to commercialise new ideas and grow their business in Cornwall and beyond. We are looking forward to welcoming and working with local businesses from the Pop-Up centre.”
The Pop-Up will be open for a period of three months after re-locating from Launceston where businesses frequently connected and engaged with ATI2 through regular events, workshops and walk-ins.
Paul Miles Rogers, Pop-up Centre Coordinator, adds: “Businesses in every location utilise the space differently and we are excited about returning to St Austell after the incredible engagement we had in Launceston. The pop-up model supports businesses across the county that may require a hot desk or meeting room and they can engage with us for direct support and guidance.”
ATI2 supports SMEs who are looking to introduce new innovations to their business resulting in increased growth, productivity and sustainable change.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Pop-up Innovation Centre or accessing the support from the programme, register your interest on www.aticornwallinnovation.co.uk or email Paul Miles Rogers at paul.rogers-4@plymouth.ac.uk.