Are You a Wolverhampton Start-Up Business?

04 Dec 2024

Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News
Discover the free workspace and resources available at the IGNITE Hub in Wolverhampton as we catch up with Business Hub Co-ordinator Nicola Anderson to celebrate Small Business Saturday 2024.

Located on the ground floor i10 building (on the bridge between the city centre and Wolverhampton Railway Station) the IGNITE Hub has been supporting local start-ups in their early stages since launching in 2022. The Hub is a City of Wolverhampton Council led project, supported by the University of Wolverhampton and Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

The modern facilities are home to two meeting rooms with screens in each, 14 open area desks with computer monitors, keyboards and charging stations, kitchen, coffee machine and bookable event space. The hub is open 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Business Development team offer tailored support for growth, conduct in-depth business diagnostics and hosting valuable workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs and drive success.

Additionally, Nicola, is available to answer your questions and enquiries about learning resources, training and other business opportunities going on around the city.

Q1 What does a typical day at the IGNITE Hub look like?

Nicola: More recently IGNITE is very busy daily, with a lot of new members.

Our day to day can differ, and no two days are generally the same. I also receive questions from the public who pop in throughout the day to see what IGNITE is all about.

I assist the members with a range of things from signing up to Black Country Chamber courses and alerting them to upcoming IGNITE events and workshops.

We recently held two seminars on the topic of finance which have been very popular. Finance is always one of the big issues I come across when talking with members, so everybody found them very useful. We also have another seminar in the works to train members on pitching and public speaking.

Additionally, the Coffee Morning mixers allow members to get to know more about each other and their businesses.

Overall, I support and advise hub users on anything we have to offer which may be relevant to the business journey of members (and occasionally try my hand at “technical advisor” when it comes to sorting Wi-Fi and hub equipment).

Q2 How have you seen entrepreneurs develop since using IGNITE?

Nicola: There are some members who I see are busier now than they were when they first joined IGNITE. They will book meeting rooms to speak with prospective clients etc.

A lot of networking also happens at IGNITE. New business relationships have been built between members and there are members who have become clients of other members.

There have also been a few members who are now expanding their businesses and have moved to other local workspaces and even hired staff.

Q3 What has been the biggest highlight for you so far?

Nicola: I love chatting with our members about where they see their businesses in the future.

I also provide any assistance I can or suggest anything that I think may help them on their journey including courses and any other relevant resources.

They are all such lovely people and are very appreciative of IGNITE as a workspace.

Want to learn more?

Visit: www.ignitehub.co.uk to get started or call 01902 552210.

If you are interested in our Start-Up Business Wolverhampton programme you can click the link to read more and enquire via the telephone number above.

If you want to know more about our Start-Up Business Club workshops, click the link to discover more or email AlisonTrinder@blackcountrychamber.co.uk to enquire further.

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