MP Opens our new Training and Business Centre in Haverhill
16th July 2010
Matthew Hancock, West Suffolk’s new MP, opened the new Menta Training and Business Centre in Haverhill on 16th July. The centre is a Joint Venture between Suffolk Enterprise Agency Menta, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, EEDA and Suffolk County Council.
Mr Hancock said he was thrilled to open the facility because he came from a small business background. "I well remember as a small child when my parents decided to leave their jobs and set up on their own - and some of the trials and tribulations that followed," he said.
"It is a wonderful way to spend your life, although extremely hard work."
He said there was no way in the future that employment would be driven by public sector expansion - indeed, there would be a big contraction. "That gap has to be met and it won't be met automatically, but by people setting up their own businesses in places like this," he said.
He added that he had recently visited Silicon Valley in America and seen how the most valuable encouragement that can be given to new businesses is the provision of supported work space, leaving entrepreneurs able to focus on their businesses, rather than worrying about their premises and taking on long commitments.
Menta is now very keen to get as many people as possible using the Centre, which provides first rate training facilities as well as serviced office space on easy in/easy out terms – and all at not-for-profit prices. All are welcome to use it, from sole traders to larger businesses, as well as community groups, charities and the volunteer sector.
But its main purpose is to help people get started in running their own businesses, and it brings Menta's capacity in Suffolk to over 50 serviced offices across its three centres.
Cllr John Griffiths, leader of St Edmundsbury Council, said it was the right time to be opening such a facility.
"Haverhill is a great town and very resilient, but it is not immune from job losses," he said.
"The council has invested many millions here and helped to create, maintain and secure many hundreds of jobs. My best wishes go to all who start or grow their business here."
John Riley of Menta said they were very proud of this 'very special project', which demonstrated the real desire of the partners to form productive alliances.
"This is a great example of public and private sector partnership working together and achieving something for Haverhill," he said.
For more details contact John Riley at MENTA 0800 085 5090
Matthew Hancock, West Suffolk’s new MP, opened the new Menta Training and Business Centre in Haverhill on 16th July. The centre is a Joint Venture between Suffolk Enterprise Agency Menta, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, EEDA and Suffolk County Council.