Barking Enterprise Centre Opens
Agilisys and Barking & Dagenham Council launch new facility to help small and start-up businesses in the borough innovate and grow
London, UK, 7 November 2011 – Agilisys, one of the UK’s most innovative IT and business services providers, today announced the launch of the Barking Enterprise Centre, in conjunction with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. As part of its strong commitment to fostering opportunity in the borough, Agilisys will provide a range of business start-up services from the centre as well as operational management of the 48-unit environmentally-friendly, purpose built facility which opens on time and on budget today.
Core to the offer is an extensive range of free business advice services aimed at supporting a high-growth, entrepreneurial culture, including business-support workshops, networking events, franchising advice, and one-to-one counselling sessions with experts in business coaching. These services build on Agilisys’ own entrepreneurial background and history of working with local authorities across the UK to foster innovation and create growth through local centres of excellence.
Designed and developed by the council, the building also incorporates a number of innovative environmental elements, and is targeting a BREEAM (British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) score of ‘Excellent’. Features such as a ‘brown’ bio diverse roof to enhance bio-diversity, solar power panels, motion-detection lighting throughout, and close energy monitoring all contribute to the sustainability aspect of the building, minimising environmental impact. In addition, care was taken throughout the build to use local suppliers in outfitting the centre wherever possible, further contributing to the local economy.
With units available on ‘easy-in-easy-out’ terms, as well as shared office support available including receptionist, post, and meeting room services, the centre is ideal for new and expanding businesses looking for flexibility and support as they grow.
Speaking at the launch today, Councillor Mick McCarthy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “The opening of the Barking Enterprise Centre, following closely on that of the Dagenham Business Centre is testimony to the Council’s commitment to encouraging, nurturing and supporting business.
“We will continue to invest in the skills of local people, help secure investment and work closely with local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce to show we are London’s newest opportunity and a great place to do business.”
Agilisys Chairman Charles Mindenhall, also at the event, added “As a fast-growing business itself, with a large presence in Barking and Dagenham already through our joint venture with the council, Elevate East London, Agilisys is excited about this facility to support entrepreneurial businesses in the borough to grow and succeed. We’re delighted to see the centre open for business today as a very tangible example of our long-term commitment to creating opportunities and successes for the people of Barking and Dagenham.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
The new-built centre is at the junction of Cambridge and Linton Road, minutes from Barking rail / underground station. The centre contains 48 modern units and provides flexible pricing based on space, length of stay, and additional services taken. Interested businesses can contact info@barkingenterprisecentre.co.uk or call 44 (0)20 8227 3030 for more details.
More information is available at www.barkingenterprisecentre.co.uk or follow us at the centre on Twitter @BarkingEC.
For further information:
Stefanie Agar
Head of Corporate Communications
Agilisys
stefanie.agar@agilisys.co.uk
0758 579 0121
