New enterprise centre opens in Stoke-on-Trent

A brand-new enterprise centre has opened in Stoke-on-Trent to support young entrepreneurs.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been working with Launch It over the past two years to find a suitable home for its first Midlands venture.

Now the charity, which provides young people with the space and support they need to start a business and develop their skills, has moved into the grade II-listed Longton Town Hall building on Times Square.

The enterprise centre aims to drive the regeneration of Longton and the wider area by providing affordable workspaces, business development support, skills training, mentoring, funding opportunities and guidance to help young people succeed in their respective industries.

Speaking at the launch event last week, Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning and ward councillor for Longton, said: “I am really proud that Launch It have chosen to set-up in Longton. Longton Town Hall is an important heritage building. I’m pleased that we have been able to work with them to bring it back into modern-day use, while creating something of real benefit to our young people.

“Being able to attract an organisation such as Launch It shows me that we are moving in the right direction and shows the young people of the city that the support and guidance they need to start a business in Stoke-on-Trent is available to them.

“This will also bring economic benefits to Longton which is already bucking the trend. I look forward to working with the Launch It team and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Anya Cummings, chair of the Board of Trustees at Launch It Stoke-on-Trent, said:  "We are beyond excited to officially open the doors to Launch It Stoke-on-Trent and welcome young founders, small business owners, supporters and the local community who will be part of this vibrant space.

“Bringing Launch It’s 25-year legacy of helping break barriers to thriving in entrepreneurship to Stoke-on-Trent marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter - one where ambition meets opportunity, and young entrepreneurs can help shape the future of this vibrant city.”

The former upper floor ballroom at Longton Town Hall was refurbished in 2023 to create a new enterprise space to support small businesses on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was part of a trio of city council properties which were identified for refurbishment as part of the then-government’s Getting Building Fund grant scheme.

The historic building now boasts 20 state-of-the art studios offices, open-plan co-working spaces, meeting rooms, Zoom booths and a small kitchen and toilet area.

Launch It is hosting an open day on Thursday 22 May. Anyone interested in attending can sign up at https://stokeopenday.eventbrite.co.uk/.

Alternatively, for more information about Launch It visit: www.launchit.org.uk/stoke-on-trent.