A new innovation centre that helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses has opened in Manor Royal Business District in Crawley, West Sussex.
Crawley Innovation Centre supports small businesses at startup stage, scale-ups or long-established innovative companies by providing a flexible and community environment, with modern offices, workshop areas and a provision of vital one-to-one business mentoring.
Especially keen to help businesses working in cleantech, emerging digital tech or advanced engineering, Crawley Innovation Centre is situated five minutes from London Gatwick Airport.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the centre features 24 high-quality offices and seven light industrial workshops for prototyping, product testing and demonstrations, as well as co-working and hot desking spaces, meeting rooms, event hire space and access to regular on-site networking events.
Crawley Innovation Centre also provides a package of business guidance via one-to-one expert mentoring from the centre’s innovation director. At no additional cost to businesses, tailored specialist innovation strategy support can range from how to attract investors to navigating the funding landscape to business growth strategies and marketing.
The centre is led by centre manager Shelley Furey, who oversees day-to-day operations and is the first point of contact for any business interested in joining the community.
Shelley brings extensive experience in supporting local businesses and is passionate about creating an environment where entrepreneurs feel supported, inspired and equipped to grow.
Shelley said: “Crawley has an incredible concentration of innovative companies, and we’re excited to welcome businesses into the centre.
“As we start this journey, my team and I are focused on creating a supportive, collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can access the right connections, expertise and facilities from day one.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new members of our community and helping them make the most of what we offer.”
Crawley Innovation Centre is owned by Crawley Borough Council but managed by Oxford Innovation Space.
Jo Stevens, managing director of Oxford Innovation Space, said: “Our new site in Crawley is a brilliant opportunity for us to build on what is already a fantastic melting pot of entrepreneurship in the area.
“We believe by creating flexible, inspiring environments that feature sound business support and opportunities to network and collaborate with peers, a business has a greater chance of succeeding. We can’t wait to see all the business success stories that Crawley Innovation Centre will have.”
Councillor Michael Jones, leader of Crawley Borough Council, added: “I am delighted that Oxford Innovation Space is managing the Crawley Innovation Centre. It is a nationally recognised leader in managing innovation centres and will bring deep expertise in business incubation and operational excellence. We warmly welcome them to Crawley.”
