University of Glamorgan GTi

What makes the space successful?

The people involved are integral to the success of the space. GTi is a trust-based environment. There is not an administration team in place so some of the systems that might usually be in place are not. Pam Voisey describes it as a community working together and with each other.

GTi Chair Metaphor

GTi uses a metaphor for incubation of a stool and chair. It is easy to sit on a stool (and new businesses can establish themselves on their own) but if you want support you go to a chair - so GTi is the chair - the support for new businesses.

• Pam is able to fill in some of the gaps. She has wide experience and it is important to have somebody on site to answer any questions. She is also able to broker meetings between client businesses and useful contacts within the University
• Networking opportunities are available within GTi and in the wider community
• Support is very much tailored to individual businesses
• Businesses within GTi generally have good relations with each other, and can offer mutual support in a variety of ways

GTi Registration

There are currently approximately 60 businesses registered with GTi. It costs a one-off payment of £60 (one-off payment) to register, for the first year.

GTi has always been immoveable on not charging for rent and services as there is a belief that it could be a barrier to enterprise. It gives the new businesses some breathing space whilst establishing themselves. The breathing space is required as Pam suggests that the activity around setting up a business always takes twice as long as anticipated.

Businesses that have already begun to be established can join for six months (or longer) as associate members. Associate membership costs £200 for six months.

Work Routine

Some members prefer the routine of coming into work - it can improve performance for some people. There can be some perception issues around being seen to be 'working from home' and the lines between professional and personal lives can become blurred. GTi offers a number of benefits - it's a physical space to go to. Top 3 suggested benefits to the user:

• business support
• a credible business address
• access to a range of high quality meeting rooms

Diverse Activity

GTi has a diverse portfolio of client business. The use of the facilities is very varied and the mix is always changing. Pam believes that the diversity is vital in order to encourage creativity and ensure cross-fertilisation of ideas.

Proven returns on investment

Pam estimates that approximately £4 million returns in invoice values. It's a very cost-effective model - 'you don't need a flashy building'. The successful template could potentially be rolled out elsewhere.

Professional Approach

Client businesses within the space can use the GTi address as their business address and this can help to convey a very professional image to potential customers and peers. Also the acknowledgement of being a 'member of GTi business network' can prove to be very positive. The access to professional support and networks can help new businesses 'punch above their weight' or as Pam describes it, 'fake it 'til you make it!'

What principles were behind the design?

Enterprise and employability activity are both integral to the University of Glamorgan's strategic development and the continuing support and development of GTi by the University is an important element of this.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glamorgan, Julie Lydon, commented on Employability, Collaboration and Research in the 2010 Annual Report and said that, 'On the basis of comprehensive consultative exercises with our students, staff and key stakeholders, I am confident that "employability" and "innovation and business engagement" will be key themes that will differentiate the University in the foreseeable future and will provide a focus for shaping innovative, professional courses and services that meet their needs'. Source: Annual Report

GTi's move and formal partnership with Venture Wales in November 2010 was the culmination of a successful year for GTI; one of its companies Techsol UK Ltd won Best Start Up of the Year at the annual Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club awards.

GTi is an initiative that, 'supports Glamorgan's continued commitment to the employability agenda which will form an increasingly important part of the University's strategy over the next year' (2011). Source: Annual Report

What is innovative about the design? And use of the building?

The furniture used in the space has been used elsewhere in the University and has been given to the space, helping to keep costs down.