Partner Article

Berwick gets incubation

Almost £270,000 has been injected into a Northumberland seaside town in a bid to help small businesses and create jobs.

Berwick Workspace, a partnership run by Northumberland County Council and the European Development Fund, has set up ‘incubator units’ in the rural seaside destination in the hope of increasing commercial opportunities.

Coun Jim Smith, executive member for regeneration, housing and planning, said: “We are aiming to support the growth of small businesses by providing tailored, one to one support.

“TEDCO, the company we have commissioned, will provide information and advice on every aspect of running a business including start-up, survival success and growth strategies for rural areas.”

The project aims to encourage a more enterprising culture in the Berwick area as well more business start-ups in knowledge based jobs.

The ‘incubator’ has already developed links to external business services in the public and private sector for tenant companies that have the ability and ambition to grow.

Tim Pain, Head of Business, Enterprise and Skills, at One North East, said: “Berwick Workspace already represents a significant investment in office accommodation in the town and needs to be fully exploited.

He added: “The package is a crucial investment to maximise business support through the incubator and tackle the lower level of enterprise and business start up that is currently a challenge for Berwick communities.”

For further information about the Berwick Incubator project, email berwick@tedco.org.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .