About Us: How does it work?

The role of the Enterprise Hub Director is to:

• Develop the business support services, working with partners such as Business Link, the University of Kent, Kent Technology Transfer Centre, Finance South East, Canterbury 4 Business, Technology Enterprise Kent, Locate in Kent and private sector providers, to put in place a comprehensive network of support.
• Set up specialist networks for ICT, bioscience and healthcare technologies to stimulate interaction between the university, business, suppliers, customers and investors.
• Develop programmes to encourage more start-up companies.
• Market the Hub, positioning Canterbury as an attractive place for ICT, bioscience and healthcare technologies businesses to start and grow.

In parallel, SEEDA will lead on the development of the Innovation Centre, using our local market knowledge and vision for the Hub, to build a purpose built facility on the university campus designed to house young and growing companies in a supportive environment. The Innovation Centre is planned to be open for business by mid 2008.

‘Hatcheries’ have been established on campus to provide basic accommodation for the Hub whilst the Innovation Centre is being built. A ‘hatchery’ is small-scale accommodation, with on-the-spot business support, from which an entrepreneur can develop a new business idea with minimal overheads. Fully equipped desks, office services and one-to-one mentoring, are all provided for an all-in monthly rent.