Wrexham’s first innovation hub opens
Wrexham’s first innovation hub has officially been declared open for business by Welsh Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates.
As reported by Tech Dragons.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Government, the hub is on a mission to support 1oo new business and create 260 jobs over two years.
Set to operate as a pilot project, it’ll attempt to raise at least £ 1 million of private investment for its members and build a thriving entrepreneurship community.
Based on Queen’s Square, the hub is now accepting applications – with 20 funded spaces available. Successful applications will receive one-to-one mentoring support and a full-time desk or 12 months.
Speaking at the opening ceremony last week, Ken Skates said: “I am proud that the Welsh Government has invested £1m in the establishment of Wrexham’s first Enterprise Hub.
He said the hub will “provide wrap around business support to startups and local entrepreneurs and help drive their ideas, ambitions and success”.
Mr Skates added: “This kind of local business support which drives innovation and entrepreneurship really can be economically transformational.
“I am pleased to have been able to allocate £5m for the establishment of four additional business hubs in regions across Wales. Those hubs will very much follow the model and learn from the experiences of this first hub in Wrexham.”
Town Squares Spaces will manage the hub on the behalf of Business Wales. It’ll function as a community resource, connecting local people and businesses.
Gareth Jones, who founded Town Square Spaces and Caerphilly-based enterprise hub Welsh ICE, said: “We’re really excited to be finally launching the Hub after a lot of hard work from so many different people.
“This whole process officially started a year ago, but the idea of bringing something like this to Wrexham was talked about long before then.
“We’ve met some incredibly passionate people in developing the plan for the Hub, and I know that with their support we will achieve our aims and more.”
He added: “Wrexham is full of creative and driven people, and the Hub will be a place that provides the right support and conditions to help their companies and ideas grow.
“From individual passion projects and freelancers looking for a home to potential industry disruptors – we’re proud to say there’s a space for you in Wrexham.”
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Author - Nicholas Fearn, Editor of Tech Dragons