New business start up units to inspire local enterprise in Rutland

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Rutland County Council in partnership with East Midlands Development Agency (emda) - has recently developed a range of business units to provide support for people who are setting up their own business.

Rutland County Council (RCC) - in partnership with East Midlands Development Agency (emda) - has recently developed a range of business units to provide support for people who are setting up their own business.

Funding from RCC and emda has helped to transform a former County Council-owned depot in Oakham into a complex of broadband-enabled well-connected business premises. The new accommodation is based at the Ashwell Road Business Units and consists of two workshops, six offices, four business units, a kitchen, reception area and meeting room for local businesses.

The Council is keen to encourage budding entrepreneurs who are interested in starting up their own business to take advantage of this new facility, which will also house a Business Link advisor to support individuals as they take the step of turning their business idea into a commercial reality.

Chief Executive of emda, Jeff Moore, will officially open the site on Wednesday 24th March 2010 at 11am. He said: "New businesses create between 20-40% of the region's productivity growth and stimulate innovation, which is why we have invested £120,000 in this £350,000 project. The Ashwell Road Business Units offer young businesses the opportunity not just to access affordable office space, but also the support and advice they need to survive these tough economic times and thrive in the long-term. I am delighted to be able to officially open this new facility, and look forward to hearing of the success of local Rutland businesses in the future."

Councillor Terry King, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development added: "This is a great facility; I hope that many people who have thought about setting up their own business will take advantage of these units and the opportunities available. A site like this should work very well in Rutland, with the abilities to provide a local base for small businesses and local advice and support that businesses starting out often need."

The Ashwell Road Business Units occupy a prime location, easily accessible from Oakham town centre and close to the Oakham by-pass, with the Rutland Village retail park close by.

For further information or business advice residents should visit www.rutland.gov.uk/economicdevelopment or email:
enquiries@rutland.gov.uk or call 01572 722 577

ENDS

The media is invited to attend the opening on 24th March at 11am where there will be photo opportunities available. To confirm your attendance, please contact Jenny Kightley (Communications Support Officer - Rutland County Council) on 01572 722 577 ext 275) or JKightley@rutland.gov.uk

Note to editors

About emda

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England, set up in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development. Ten years on, independent evaluation shows emda has:

· Had a significant impact on the region's economy

· Generated economic benefits that substantially outweigh its overall costs

· Put back over £9 of economic output (or GVA) into the regional economy for every £1 it spends

· Produced more than £1 billion in economic benefits per year

· A wider impact on people, places and businesses in the East Midlands that cannot be captured by figures alone.

News Source : New business start up units to inspire local enterprise in Rutland