Regeneration Plan - Business Support
Businesses are vital to the future of Hastings and Bexhill - they provide jobs and create opportunities for other firms. As well as developing business centres and quality offices to help local companies and keep larger businesses in the area, Sea Space and its partners provide a wide range of business services. The following are here to help local firms as well as people with good ideas who want to start a business:
The Hastings & Bexhill Enterprise Hub was set up in 2005 as part of the south east's network of Enterprise Hubs, giving advice and support to companies with the potential for fast growth. The Hastings & Bexhill Enterprise Hub focuses particularly on manufacturing/engineering and creative firms.
An advisor from Business Link - the national government advisory service - offers support to established small businesses. The advisor started in Hastings in August 2006.
The Retail Centre of Vocational Excellence (funded through Hastings College Art & Technology) provides specialist training and education for retail firms.
The Enterprise Hub, Business Link advisor and Retail Centre of Vocational Excellence all work from the eBiz Centre in Hastings' Robertson Street, creating a one-stop-shop for business advice.
The DTI's Manufacturing Advisory Service gives guidance to manufacturing companies including ways to reduce waste and increase profits.
The Product Development Centre is based at the Innovation Centre, offering training for local employees, students and pupils of engineering and product design. The facility includes a rapid prototyping machine that is available for local companies to hire.
