Lifeblood of the economy

Lifeblood of the economy

Shropshire’s small rurally-based businesses are increasingly being recognised as the lifeblood of the local and national economy.

There are 3.7million businesses in the UK and 99 per cent of them employ fewer than 50 people, demonstrating that this country is now a nation of small business entrepreneurs.

More than 30 per cent of these enterprises are based at home addresses.

In Shropshire it is estimated there are some 10,000 business operations working from a home base.

During 2007, in recognition of the potential economic strength of these businesses, Shropshire Enterprise Partnership, in a link-up with the Shropshire Star, worked with Advantage West Midlands to develop a unique scheme to help these businesses start and grow.

Shropshire is now the only county in the UK to benefit from having its own Enterprise HQ.

Enterprise HQ comprises a centrally-located business headquarters - in Roushill, Shrewsbury - for home-based entrepreneurs and flexi-workers and provides a luxury work and meeting hub, a commercial showcase and routes to powerful advertising and business support connections.

“To celebrate the first six months of operation, an irresistible offer has been put together which is open to all home-based businesses in the county,” says Shropshire Enterprise Partnership project manager Fay Easton.

“One annual payment of just £30 covers registration and a year’s membership of the coolest business club in town. There are 500 places available on this free membership scheme, with normal membership being £25 per month or £300 single payment for the year.”

What’s included:

• Unlimited access to the wireless connected Enterprise Lounge.
• Free advertising at EHQ outlets.
• Free advertising in the annual printed directory.
• Free advertising in the online directory.
• Access to interactive website with downloadable logo, business tips and events listings.
• Free monthly business seminars.
• Opportunity to have free business biography written and published.
• Discounted private meeting hire rates at two Shropshire locations.
• Tickets to annual conference.
• Regular e-news.
• Business book of the month synopsis.

“There are affordable business services solutions for companies who want to focus on their core business and acquire support sales and office services without the high overheads, retail showcasing for products and services, a premier business address at Enterprise HQ at £17.50 per month and telephone answering services from £50 per month,” says Fay.

Enterprise HQ also offers a range of refreshments with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm, with breakfasts served from 8am.