A local ‘business acceleration centre’ has welcomed 12 new clients in the last quarter as it marks its third anniversary of supporting Cornish businesses to innovate and grow.
The Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre (HWIC) based at Treliske in Truro is one of three Cornwall Innovation Centres operated by Plymouth University on behalf of Cornwall Council to help businesses capitalise on their growth potential and create sustainable, high-quality new jobs for the region.
Since opening in spring 2013, HWIC has become home to 36 fast-growing companies, including nine office based and three affiliate clients who moved into the purpose-built incubation facility during the last quarter adding to the vibrant community of dynamic businesses.
Existing client businesses at HWIC have enjoyed record annual growth averages of up to 68% in one year, thanks to the targeted business support available through the Cornwall Innovation programme.
HWIC manager, Karen Murray, said: “We are very happy to have welcomed nine office based new clients during the last five months, and a further three affiliates have also joined us, which brings the centre to a current occupancy rate of 60%, which is on target for our forecasted plans.
“As part of the natural churn some of our older, more established clients are moving on and relocating to bigger premises as they come to the end of their time with us.”
Pool Innovation Centre opened first in 2010 followed by Tremough Innovation Centre in Penryn in 2012 and finally HWIC in 2013.
The three centres are currently home to 137 companies, and have helped to create 369 new jobs.
