The new UOE Hub in Maidenhead Street in Hertford was officially declared open by the Mayor of Hertford, Councillor Dr Linda Radford in the brilliant sunshine on Wednesday morning (20 July).
In her speech, the Mayor talked about the importance of regenerating Hertford business and community, and her hope that the Town Council will continue to support the Hub well into the future.
Uniquely, the UOE Hub, provides 24/7 office access for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for somewhere more professional than the kitchen table to work at.
There was a fantastic turnout for the launch which attracted 75 local entrepreneurs and small business owners. It was a relaxed and lively occasion (despite the heat!) and there was also a well attended photo booth which allowed people to let their hair down. However, mirroring one of UOE’s core values, to Get Work Done, there was a lot of networking which went on long after the anticipated end of the event.
The Hub will be great for people like Tana MacPherson Smith who runs Clear Minds. “I’m working from home at the moment and find it incredibly easy to be distracted, so I need a place I can really focus. What I see me doing is coming in two or three mornings a week, say, three hours a morning. This space is perfect for me.”
FSB Chairman, Pam Charman, is positive about the Hub which, she is sure, will “bring a great opportunity for start-up businesses who would otherwise struggle to find somewhere to have a presence in the town centre. It gives them a fabulous opportunity for their business to grow in a secure environment.”
UOE’s MD Elliot Jacobs was delighted with the popularity of the event. “It’s been an amazing turnout which proves there’s an interest in and a need for a working space like this. People have been telling me they think the Hub is a great set up, an amazing space and are especially pleased that the old McDonald’s building is finally being used again.”
A prize draw also raised £250 for Isabel Hospice which will provide 10 hours of vital nursing care.
