A NEW enterprise hub that will be established in Wrexham has announced that it is to be based on Queen’s Square in the town centre and is already searching for potential founding members.

The hub, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, was announced by economy and transport secretary Ken Skates last year, and aims to support 100 new businesses and create 260 jobs in its first two years. The two-year pilot will also focus on securing at least £1m of private investment for its members as well as building a community of entrepreneurs that will boost the local economy.

The Wrexham Enterprise Hub will be delivered by Town Square Spaces for Business Wales, and is focused on supporting business start up’s and creating jobs in the Wrexham area. The new hub will act as a community resource, bringing local people and businesses together in a creative and collaborative space.

Cabinet secretary for economy and transport, Ken Skates said: “Our new Economic Action Plan includes a focus on strengthening our regional economies and ensuring prosperity falls more evenly across Wales, so it is great to hear the new Wrexham Enterprise Hub will be based in the very heart of the town centre.

“Encouraging an entrepreneurship culture in Wales, supporting individuals to start a business and SMEs to grow is vital in creating employment opportunities and providing a boost to our economy. The new hub in Queen’s Square will play a vital role in the development of our new cohort of successful and ambitious entrepreneurs and will help deliver the right environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to flourish.”

Gareth Jones, the founder of Town Square Spaces, said the location was the first step towards a burgeoning new space for business in North Wales.

He said: “The response from the community has been very positive. We feel strongly that Wrexham has enough creative and determined people to make a success of this project, and build something that will make a positive lasting impact to the growth of the town centre.

"We've already started working with over 40 people through our 5 to 9 Club, though there are definitely many more potential business founders than at present. We believe that, given the right support, anyone with passion and the right attitude can start a business; where there is a need for a product or service, there are opportunities to create an income fulfilling that need.

"It will be our job at the Wrexham Enterprise Hub, to guide people to create a business for themselves, and therefore jobs for others in the community.”

The building on Rhosddu Road, the former Iceland and Pebble units, will now undergo renovation and development in order for it to be ready to take in its first fledgling businesses in the coming months.

Business Wales, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, supports the sustainable growth of small and medium-size enterprises across the region by offering access to information, guidance and business support.

To find out how Business Wales can help start or develop your business, call 03000 6 03000, follow @_businesswales or @_busnescymru or visit www.businesswales.gov.wales/ or www.busnescymru.llyw.cymru/ for further information.

Town Square Spaces will deliver the Wrexham business hub on behalf of Business Wales, and will work to support local entrepreneurs into starting and growing their business.