Construction of a new three storey building to house new learning and social spaces as well as a business incubator to support start-ups and graduate entrepreneurs.

Why?

The construction of this new Enterprise Hub at the University of Hertfordshire will significantly enhance and expand existing support available to businesses in the region.

Impact

The Enterprise hub provides flexible business incubation, office space, teaching and social areas under one roof, facilitating greater collaboration between students, academics and the business community.

The Hub also provides additional space for the University’s MBA and expanding degree apprenticeship offering, with the latter seeing a 51% increase in learners despite the pandemic, with new courses planned for 2021.

Through its all campus incubator scheme, start-ups and entrepreneurs have the chance to use the University’s campus and resources and gain access to top academic experts, skilled graduates, facilities and equipment hire.

All the member businesses take part in a ‘community of practice’, which provides a unique opportunity for them to learn from and support each other, and be guided by highly experienced mentors.

The University offers support for larger organisations, including the chance to secure funding for research and development through opportunities like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, as well as graduate placements, degree apprenticeships and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.

Funding

Hertfordshire LEP has invested £2.3m into this project to enable the construction of the building.

This project was approved by the board on the 22nd March 2018.