A fully-funded business facility is set to open its doors in Truro this month to provide dedicated space and support for Cornish businesses.
The Pop-up Innovation Centre, delivered by the Acceleration Through Innovation 2 (ATI2) programme, will offer companies the chance to utilise office facilities, meeting and events rooms, hot desks and access business support with innovation accredited advisors.
Launching on Thursday 27th January, it will be accessible to individuals from small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who need facilities to support their business while restrictions are in place, and will be operating in line the Government’s COVID-19 guidelines.
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.
Within generously sized premises, the Pop-Up Innovation Centre will also feature new technology and interactive equipment from the University of Plymouth, which will be on display for businesses to use and explore.
Businesses are able to 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 and with others; helping them to commercialise new ideas and grow their business in Cornwall and beyond. Although we have opened other Pop-up’s previously, this will be the first in Truro and we are looking forward to working with businesses both in person and virtually from the centre.”
The Pop-up will be open for a period of four months having previously re-located from Hayle where businesses from across the Penwith area connected and engaged within the space.
Paul Miles Rogers, Pop-up Centre Coordinator, adds: “Businesses in every location utilise the space differently. We are here to support businesses across the county that may require the occasional meeting room or advice and guidance from us.”
ATI2 supports SMEs who are looking to introduce new innovations to their business resulting in increased growth, productivity and sustainable change. To date, the current programme has engaged over 350 businesses and awarded 29 grants to support Cornish innovation projects with a total project value of £769,856.
To register for the celebratory launch event visithttps://www.theinnovationexperts.co.uk/events-calendar/
If you are interested in finding out more about the Pop-up Innovation Centre or accessing the support from the programme, contact ATI2 via www.aticornwallinnovation.co.uk or email Paul Miles Rogers at paul.rogers-4@plymouth.ac.uk.