15 July 2010
Walsall business start up centre creates 40 jobs
A former historic Walsall industrial HQ transformed into an enterprise hub has helped more than a dozen businesses get off the ground, creating 40 jobs.
The Innovation Works at Rubery Owen in Darlaston was renovated with a £750,000 Advantage West Midlands grant after being bought for just £1.
Now three years on, it has helped to create around 40 jobs from more than a dozen organisations and businesses which set up in the units on site.
It also hosts a training centre, including the development of a workshop where people can be trained on fitting solar panels as part of the Fit for the Future programme to develop the local green technology economy.
The project was originally funded to help breathe new life into the local economy using a building which played a key role in the area’s industrial past.
The Innovation Works at Rubery Owen is also linked to the nearby Innovation Works at Darlaston, which provides office and meeting space in the High Street. Both are run by Walsall Housing Regeneration Agency as part of its programme to create local jobs and encourage enterprise in the area.
Centre Manager Kally Bhatti, said: “It’s fantastic to see this historic building being used to develop the local economy.
“Despite the recession, the Innovation Works has helped to create new jobs and provide a place for new businesses to get off the ground.”
Businesses based at the Innovation Works include Corporate Office Innovations, a small office furniture company that moved from Aston Science Park in 2009. A small enterprise called the Butterfly Academy, which supports people with health and well-being issues and Nano-Magnetic Systems, an innovative solution seeking company that helps to reduce your industrial gas and oil bills by a minimum of 5% with new technologies.
The Innovation Works @ Rubery Owen is looking to attract entrepreneurs, small businesses and social enterprises to fill the remaining offices. For further information about the Innovation Works call 0121 568 7070 or email kally@innovation-works.org.uk
…/ends……………………………………………………………………………
For all media enquiries please contact Claire Morrall on 0121 500 2340.