Workspace provider Regus aims to boost 30,000
young entrepreneurs in the UK by giving them access to
its global network of business lounges and administrative
support.
Selected start-ups will receive six months free use
of Regus virtual offices, an address in a recognised business
location, mail handling, call answering and discounts on all of its
other products and services.
"We believe businesses should be investing in the next
generation of British entrepreneurs and the future of British
business," says Steve Purdy, managing director of Regus UK. "Rather
than moaning from the sidelines about what more the government
should do to stimulate growth, we believe it's time business
offered some meaningful support - we hope others will follow
suit."
The investment from Regus, worth £20m, complements the
government's £82.5m StartUp Loans programme that provides mentoring
support and about £2,500 to selected young people looking to start
their own business.
"Enterprise is vital to our country's future and I welcome the
excellent news that Regus are getting behind our young
entrepreneurs and helping them get their businesses and ideas off
the ground," says Prime Minister David Cameron. "Regus' support for
Startup Loans is a fantastic example of an established and
successful company reaching out to help nurture the next generation
of British businesses."
StartUp Loans were designed by the government for young people
aged 18 to 24 who are interested in starting a business, but lack
access to finance. During the 2012/13 pilot scheme £10m is being
made available and in 2013/14 another £32.5m offered.
Regus is the world's largest provider of flexible workspace.
They have 1,200 business centres worldwide, including over 160 in
the UK.
For more information on Regus, click here and for more
on StartUp Loans, click here.