Regus launches £10m support package for UK start-ups

Rented office provider Regus is to giving start-up firms free use of its business centres. It’s all part of its £10m British Chambers of Commerce-backed Get Started campaign. Now Regus is calling on other businesses to join the cause and do what they can to inject new activity into the UK economy.

Chief executive Mark Dixon said: “We all have a part to play in getting Britain working again, which is why we have launched the Get Started campaign. It’s vital the private sector takes decisive action now to support people who want to set up their own business. We believe the key to kick-starting the economy is to help our entrepreneurs create new businesses.”

As part of the campaign, a number of mentoring sessions for entrepreneurs will be held throughout the year in Regus centres across the country. This will be an opportunity for business experts to provide support and guidance to all those embarking on a new venture.

BCC managing director John Dunsmure said: "Entrepreneurs and small companies are currently being squeezed on all sides – from declining consumer confidence to increasing energy and office costs as well as lack of access to credit. Small business closures have risen significantly over the last few months, creating a huge amount of redundant people.

“We welcome the commitment by Regus to help entrepreneurs get going. They need the support, and our Chamber Business Start-up pack and the access to Regus’ extensive network and facilities will for many make the difference between disaster and a successful future.”

Latest figures from the British Bankers Association show the number of new businesses opening in the third quarter of 2008 fell by just 4% to 129,282, far better than the expected 10% decline. The research suggests there is still a desire to embark on new business ventures despite increasingly volatile economic conditions.

Under the Get Started scheme, Regus is offering unlimited use of its business lounges and cafés – worth approx £10m - in over 1,000 locations worldwide.

Potential Entrepreneurs can access three options within the scheme:

Gold membership to Regus businessworld for three months: Unlimited access to 135 Regus business lounges and cafes (1,000 worldwide) with administrative support, free internet access, complimentary refreshments and preferred rates on additional products.
Free use of day offices or meeting rooms: If a business plan is not finalised Regus will provide day offices for intense planning and meeting rooms so entrepreneurs can meet with potential partners, suppliers and customers in a professional setting.
Free office space for three months: If you have a clear plan and are ready to get started then Regus will provide free office space for up to three months. Office space is a significant cost for start ups and therefore this offer will aid start up businesses.

“You have to start somewhere. I began at the bottom so I know what it takes to get things moving” said Dixon, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. “Despite the gloomy economic outlook there is still opportunity for businesses to flourish. Through our Get Started campaign we want to encourage people to fulfil their entrepreneurial dream by making it easy for them to set up a new venture giving them and the economy a much needed boost.”

Comments are closed.

Regus launches £10m support package for UK start-ups

Latest Articles

Recent Comments