A new business support space is set to open its doors next month in Hayle.

Set across two office units at the Plantation Store on Foundry Lane, the Pop-up Innovation Centre will provide small to medium-sized businesses with fully-funded incubation space, from August 5 through to December 24.

It will also offer hot desks, printing facilities and can be used for occasional client meetings or to make collaborative connections with other users. Businesses are also able to make an appointment to speak to IKE-accredited business innovation advisors, who are able to offer business advice and guidance on a variety of areas of innovation.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Cornwall Council, the Pop-up Innovation Centre forms part of the business outreach services offered by Acceleration Through Innovation 2 (ATI2), a £3.4 million business support programme led by the University of Plymouth.

Programme director Jo Hancock: “The Pop-up Innovation Centre aims to support those business owners and entrepreneurs who are on their innovation journey, who are growing their businesses or have perhaps started a business during Covid.

“Starting a business is always challenging, even more so during a pandemic, and this is where ATI2’s onsite business innovation advisors can really make a difference. They’ve got an abundance of local knowledge, connections, support partners, specialist expertise and access to vital resources, both through the programme and the University of Plymouth, all of which can expedite business growth.”

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Pop-up Innovation Centre, which moves around the county, has been unable to open while Government guidelines recommended working from home. Now that restrictions have been lifted to step 4 of the roadmap, the Pop-up Innovation Centre activities can resume with the recommended Covid-19 safety measures in place.

In addition to the physical Pop-up Innovation Centre in Hayle, a mobile Pop-up will also take to the road each Thursday to visit more of Cornwall’s towns and industrial estates, to raise awareness of the business support and services available via the ATI2 programme, as well as provide information and guidance about the wider business support networks in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

To celebrate the launch of the Hayle Pop-up Innovation Centre, local businesses are invited to the opening of the new premises, taking place on the August 5 from 10am. Refreshments will be provided and bookings are available throughout the day, which will be staggered and numbers capped in accordance with Covid-19 safety measures. To reserve your place, click here.