Further support for business growth and skills development

A new collaboration in Brandon will encourage entrepreneurship, aid existing and start-up business growth and help people further develop their skills.

West Suffolk Council and MENTA, a not-for-profit organisation specialising in business support, have already seen success at centres they run in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill.

In a partnership initiative with the council, MENTA will take on the day to day running of the council-owned Harvey Adams Enterprise Centre, in Wimbledon Avenue, Brandon. This is to help support the existing tenants and new businesses. MENTA’s services include helping people further develop their skills as well as coaching and mentoring.

The agreement will also see the centre cater for micro businesses, offer support and advice, direct businesses to funding, run training and networking events as well as workshops focused on business planning, cashflow forecasting and marketing.

The move was announced by MENTA yesterday, Monday, October 4, at the opening of the 11th West Suffolk Business Festival.

John Griffiths, leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with MENTA in Brandon, investing in the future of local entrepreneurs and supporting them in turning their concepts and ideas into successful businesses. This will help create further opportunities for jobs, growth and prosperity here in West Suffolk. This tried and tested partnership has already supported many fledgling and new start-ups in Bury St Edmunds and in Haverhill where we and others recently invested in the expansion of the MENTA Business Centre – and our vision is to bring that advice and support to Brandon to help achieve similar growth and success.”

Alex Till, chief executive of MENTA said: “MENTA are excited to continue a great working partnership with West Suffolk Council and support more organisations in the region. Our new work space in Brandon is already welcoming tenants who are benefitting from great value facilities and of course they have access to our complimentary support and advisory services.  We continue to be passionate about helping SMEs grow and imparting the knowledge and support they need to support this growth.”

Businesses wanting information on office availability at the local MENTA sites: Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds and Brandon or the advisory and support services and the MENTA networking events should contact paul@menta.org.uk or suzanne@menta.org.uk