Grants launched for work hubs in Devon, UK
Tom Dixon
More info online here: http://www.devonworkhubs.co.uk/barnstaple/grant-scheme-launched/ and press release below:
A pilot programme to bring forward the development of work space for home-based workers and micro-enterprises in Totnes and Barnstaple has been launched (7th November) with grants of up to £90,000 on offer to organisations.
Devon County Council, with part-funding from the Department for Transport, has £180k available to support the development of work hubs in Totnes and Barnstaple. This pilot forms part of a strategy to bring forward a network of high quality work hubs across the County, providing support to the large number of micro-enterprises and home-based workers within Devon.
Organisations in each town are being asked to submit proposals, as part of a competitive process for a grant of up to £75,000 to fund capital costs (e.g. internal refurbishment, furnishings or wifi hardware) and a further revenue grant of up to £15,000 to help cover running costs as the work hub gets off the ground.
In addition to the funding, Devon County Council is also providing a comprehensive package of support for successful bids. This includes initial training and advice, business support for a 12 month period, provision of a marketing and branding toolkit and campaign, and an on-line booking and membership system. There will also be a business advice service on offer to work hub users.
Councillor Will Mumford, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Enterprise and Employment, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for organisations to secure financial and business support to help in the development of innovative work hubs. This project complements our investment in sites like Science Park and Skypark, and with the provision of superfast broadband will ensure that Devon businesses of all sizes will have the work space and connectivity they need to be successful.”
“We believe that work hubs should be locally owned and operated, so we’re keen to hear from organisations in the public, private or voluntary sector who believe they have what it takes to turn our vision for work hubs in Devon into a reality. The focus is on supporting the conversion of space in an existing building in a town centre location, to be used as a work hub, and we want to make sure that the network is self-sustaining beyond the initial set up period.”
Work hubs make smart use of space, serving more businesses than a traditional office by allowing people to book a ‘hot desk’ closer to home as and when they need it. This offers a more flexible working pattern for people in rural areas and market towns, staggering the rush hour and providing a better work-life balance and enhancing networking opportunities.
It is estimated that around 85,000 people (20% of the working age population) in Devon are home-based. Extensive research has been conducted by the County Council into the need in Devon for this type of new office space, with Totnes and Barnstaple demonstrating most demand.
The development grants to convert or enhance space to be used as a work hub are available to any organisation (public, private, charity or social enterprise). They must own the property, or have a secure lease on premises and permission from the landowner, and they must meet state aid obligations. The process is competitive, and only one work hub will be supported in each town.
As part of the application process, organisations will be required to submit a business plan and cash flow forecast to demonstrate how their proposals will operate. There is free business advice and support available to applicants to help develop their proposals. Applicants should register their intention to apply by 17:00 16th November. The deadline for applications is 17:00 6th January 2012.