University of Glamorgan GTi
Contact Details: |
Pam Voisey - gti@glam.ac.uk, 01443 482670 |
Type of Project: |
Existing site. On site located away from main campuses. |
Start/End Date: |
GTi was established in 1999 by Dr Lynne Gornall as the 'Graduate Teleworking Initiative'. At the time of JISC infoNet's visit, GTi had recently (November 2010) moved across Navigation Park at Abercynon and scaled down its physical space from larger premises (2000 sq ft) to smaller office space in the Valleys Innovation Centre. The move was as a result of the University of Glamorgan taking the strategic decision to formally partner with Venture Wales to relocate Glamorgan's Graduate Incubator facility (GTi) to Venture Wales' premises. |
What are your top tips?
For pre-incubation, it is possible to offer shared services, which keeps setup and revenue costs down, and supports many more entrepreneurs than dedicated office space.
It is important to have local champions to support your cause and GTi has had very positive support from champions within the local community, principally the local Assembly Member, Christine Chapman.
GTi is strategically off-campus as the theory is that if you put students and graduates on campus they are conditioned to behave like students - rather than professionals. Also, client perception can be affected by the 'only students' label.
It is important to provide some informal space as well as work space for networking, informal discussions, etc. GTi has a small informal space in one of the rooms and also access to a kitchen with table and chairs.
Fairness is important with regard to use of facilities as is covering costs. Pam keeps an eye on telephone call volume and if the volume appears to be beyond what is manageable and acceptable then a charge may be made to individuals.
There is always one PC held back from the GTi offices so that it is spare in case any of the other machines goes down - this ensures that every desk space always has a working PC on it.
Take up opportunities when they are offered. GTi was featured in a radio campaign a few years ago with the tag line 'Give it a try with GTi'. The advert did capture the imagination of some people and offered new business and connections.
