Contacts and Partnerships

BUSINESS SUPPORT AGENCIES

• Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Stevenage & North Herts Branch
  We can help you develop your business by providing a range of services including: networking, training, information, representation and export information and documentation.
  
  Contact: John McBride (Stevenage & North Herts Branch)
  Tel: 01438 310017
  Email:johnmcbride@hertschamber.com
  Web: www.hertschamber.com
  
  
• Business Link Hertfordshire
  Part of a national network of business centres, supporting local businesses with comprehensive help and information. Business Link will develop practical and value for money solutions with the best mix of information, advice, support and development services to meet the specific needs of individual businesses.
  
  Tel: 01727 813 813
  Email: questions@mybusinesslink.co.uk
  Web: www.mybusinesslink.co.uk
  
  
• Stevenage Business Initiative
  Free practical help on starting up your own business. Our team of experienced business advisors will provide practical and confidential advice on: developing a business idea, finance, legal issues, marketing, insurance, taxation, premises etc.
  
  Tel: 01438 315 733
  Email: enquiries@sbi-herts.co.uk
  Web: www.sbi-herts.co.uk
  
  
• For Business Excellence (4BEX)
  4BEX is a European funded initiative that provides free business training, counselling and advice to owners and employees of independent businesses. Anybody who works for or owns a business with fewer than 50 employees in Stevenage is welcome to attend any 4BEX event.
  
  Tel: 01442 867818
  Web: www.4bex.org.uk
  
• East of England Development Agency
  The East of England Development Agency is the driving force behind economic regeneration in the six counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.
  
  EEDA has recently launched a new strategy - 'East of England 2010: prosperity and opportunity for all' - with ambitious targets to boost business competitiveness, economic prosperity and sustainable development across the region over the next ten years.
  
  Tel: 01223 713900
  Email: knowledge@eeda.org.uk
  Web: www.eeda.org.uk
  
  
• Invest East of England
  Invest East of England is dedicated to winning inward investment: assisting companies starting and expanding their businesses in the region. Our of our sector based business managers will work closely with your business to provide you with strategic solutions.
  
  Tel: 01223 450450
  Email: info@invest-east.com
  Web: www.investeastofengland.com

MANAGED OFFICE AND WORKSHOP PREMISES

• Business and Technology Centre & Chells Enterprise Village
  A modern site for new businesses, with 77 offices, 22 workshop units and two conference rooms. Secretarial and office services are provided and the new business incubation project fast-tracks new firms with a high growth potential.
  
  Tel: 01438 310047
  Email: info@stevenagebtc.co.uk
  Web: www.hertsbic.co.uk

TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT

• Stevenage Town Centre Management Company
  A partnership between the private and public sector which aims to create a town centre of which people can be proud and where shopping, working, doing business and spending leisure time is an enjoyable experience.
  
  The company seeks to improve the town centre's appearance, safety and security, shopping offer, range of promotions and activities, as well as improve access to and from the town centre for all forms of transport.
  
  Tel: 01438 242420
  Mobile: 07967 144510
  Email: tracey.parry@btconnect.co.uk

EDUCATION AND TRAINING LINKS

• University of Hertfordshire
  Stevenage is only seven miles away from the University of Hertfordshire which is a centre for excellence in Engineering and works closely with businesses through the Business Partnerships Office.
  
  Tel: 01707 284000
  Email: main.reception@herts.ac.uk
  Web: www.hertfordshire.ac.uk
  
  
• North Hertfordshire College
  Stevenage based, the North Hertfordshire College provides high quality general Further Education and Open Learning for a wide range of students.
  
  Tel: 01462 42423
  Web: www.nhc.ac.uk
  
  
• Ridgemond Park Training and Conference Facilities
  Ridgemond Training provides an Open Learning Centre, training courses and provision for private office and commercial courses. This site can be hired for social functions and conferencing seven days a week.
  
  Tel: 01438 728788
  Email: ccollins@ridgemond.freeserve.co.uk