University of the West of England UWE Ventures
Contact Details: |
Mariama Njie - Host/Office Manager, ventures@uwe.ac.uk, 0117 328 1491 http://rbi.uwe.ac.uk/Internet/Innovation/incubators/default.asp |
Type of Project: |
It is an incubator space in a Grade Two listed warehouse refurbished to a high standard and located in a sought after address. |
Start/End Date: |
The Space opened in February 2009. |
What could have been improved? What lessons have been learned?
It can be a challenge with regard to promoting the facility within the standard University marketing system as it may be that they're coming from a slightly different direction. It's about it being comfortable for the audience.
It can be a scary transition for people and UWE Ventures tries to be sensitive to their needs and apprehensions. The staff at UWE Ventures have built up expertise and know more now with regard to what the clients need and expect.
The University is a focus for people - services are available within the whole area of people starting up and trying to get help with enterprise activity. Staff commitments elsewhere, for instance with teaching, can make things challenging sometimes within the Enterprise environment. It can be a battle getting people from the University to engage sometime. There are, however, some small tangible rewards, in addition to the personal satisfaction experienced, for staff who do get involved with the clients and activities at UWE Ventures.
