A hive of activity and business networking at Chorley’s digital hub.
A hive of activity and business networking at Chorley’s digital hub.
Businesses at the Strawberry Fields Digital Hub are enjoying being part of the digital and creative community at the high-tech business centre with a series of networking events.
During the latest networking event held last week, businesses at the hub were given the opportunity to find out more about their office neighbours and fellow digital and creative organisations.
The event held at the digital hub included presentations showcasing the support available to Lancashire’s digital businesses and also from Bees Country Kitchen who are setting up a food delivery service for the hub. A networking event with the Strawberry Fields Digital Hub digital community followed, with some delicious treats provided by Bees Country Kitchen.
Many of the businesses that attended the event commented on how the hub isn’t just office space and there’s much more going on to help and support their business.
Hellequin Systems’ Richard Thatcher commented “Having previously worked from home, which can become quite isolating, it’s been great moving to Strawberry Fields Digital Hub where there’s such a fantastic digital community. It’s so much more than an office block, I can chat and knowledge share with people from similar industries.”
Businesses that attended the event included Workforce Systems, Rubber Cheese, Docs to Data, Gilling Dod, Vida Ventures, Hellequin Systems, Ultimaker, Brick Web Technology, Purple Pig ICT, Digital Lancashire, BCN Group, Refuel Global Brands, People Trace UK, Imscan and Logma Systems, as well as the business support team at Strawberry Fields Digital Hub.
Regular meet ups of the digital community aim to encourage networking, knowledge and ideas sharing between the organisations. The Strawberry Fields Digital Hub team are thrilled that all the businesses settling well into their new premises, engaging with each other and becoming a real community.
The event also provided information on business support available to organisations working in the digital and creative sectors across Lancashire through the Digital Creative programme and business workshops. Advisors who provide one-to-one sessions can help those who are still at the business idea stage through to larger growing businesses.
Colin Clarke from Brick Web Technology said “We’re loving working at the hub, the modern interior really represents the digital sector but it’s not all about the facilities, the support we have received from the team at Strawberry Fields Digital Hub has been outstanding. From helping us settle in, through to support with events and meetings, it’s really taken the pressure off.”
The Strawberry Fields Digital Hub is home to regular networking groups and business workshops who utilise its extensive event and meeting room facilities.
The hub’s ideal location, close to the M6, M65, M61 and other great transport links is one of the many benefits for businesses moving there.
Leanne Ashworth, Refuel Global Brands, commented “The hub is in an ideal location that really suits our business and employees. It reduces the hassle of commuting into a city centre and the amount of down time incurred as a result.”
The £8.4 million Strawberry Fields Digital Hub development, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, providing the opportunity for start-ups and SMEs in the digital and creative sectors to work alongside each other in an innovative, supporting and vibrant environment.
Opening its doors in October 2019, the hub is already reaching 68% occupancy on its fixed office space, plus many regular smaller businesses using the hot desk areas.
For more information, please visit strawberryfieldshub.com, call 01257 221500 or email: edu@chorley.gov.uk