Wrexham Enterprise Hub to close its doors later this month

Over the years, the hub has been operated by Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) on behalf of Business Wales through the Welsh Government and the European Union Regional Development Fund.

The business has now announced that this funding and contract ended on May 31 and the site will close its doors for good on June 16.

To date, the Wrexham Enterprise Hub has supported more than 4,000 participants.

It has also enabled over 130 local businesses to start and grow, including LOVE Wrexham, TLC Nursing, and Toddle, which featured as one of the ‘best-ever pitches’ on BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

Wrexham Enterprise Hub (Image: PR)

The Hub on Queens Square was officially opened by Ken Skates in May 2018, and was the pilot for further Enterprise Hubs across Wales which have gone on to help thousands of people start and grow businesses, create jobs and support their local economies.

Gareth Jones, CEO of TownSq, said: “When we first launched the Enterprise Hub in 2018 it was with the aim of creating a space that enabled people to start and grow businesses, create jobs and help boost the local economy.

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“In 2021 we commissioned a report into the impact of the Enterprise Hub and found that it has made a substantial difference to the area, increasing footfall for local retail businesses, more town-centre-based companies and more engagement with local outlets. It has also played a crucial role in new projects to come, such as the exciting Chapter Court which will bring a vibrant retail, food and performance space to the town.

“Whilst we celebrate the achievements of the Enterprise Hub, we are still exploring how we can continue its momentum and are doing everything we can, engaging with key partners, to try and re-open the hub as soon as possible.

“Spaces such as the Hub are crucial to any town centre first regeneration efforts. As countless think tanks and reports have found, placing jobs and people in, not out of, town, helps them to grow.

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"The Enterprise Hub not only gives people an affordable space to work, it also nurtures and supports them to start their own ventures, develop new skillsets and create jobs.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact we have made to Wrexham and to the lives of thousands of individuals who have passed through our doors through these unparalleled couple of years.

"We are committed to the town and the people of Wrexham, and will continue to explore how we can provide business support and affordable workspace to those who need it.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Enterprise Hubs were directly funded by Welsh Government and EU funds. Following the UK’s exit from the EU, Wales no longer receives new EU funds.

"As a result of the UK Government’s decision to deny Wales £1.1bn in replacement funding between 2021 and 2025, the Welsh Government has had to take difficult decisions about the allocation of limited resources to best support the Welsh economy.

"We do not have the level of resources required to replace every penny of EU funding.

“While support for physical hubs do not form part of the Business Wales service going forward, advice and support remains available through the service for entrepreneurs and businesses based in Wrexham and across Wales.”