If universities are engines that produce the future, then innovation and entrepreneurship are the fuel mix for that engine.

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1 Fuel your future

2 If universities are engines that produce the future, then innovation and entrepreneurship are the fuel mix for that engine. Lord Victor Adebowale CBE MCIH Chancellor, University of Lincoln

3 Fuel your future Launching and growing a business is a journey of development, all businesses take different paths and develop at a different pace. At Sparkhouse, we understand every business is different and have the facilities and support to help you develop your business. Sparkhouse is home to creative, innovative and technology based businesses of all kinds and has helped over 230 new businesses, creating more than 370 new jobs. If you are beginning your journey our startup services provide mentoring, guidance and events that turn your concept into reality. If your business is more developed we have spaces in an award-winning city centre building with highly competitive rates and state-of-the-art facilities. We also have a virtual office service that gives your businesses a professional presence if you don t require a physical space to work from. Which service best suits you? 06 Startup services 12 Office space 15 Virtual office services 3

4 Our links to the University of Lincoln Locating at the University of Lincoln has its advantages. Employer engagement is at the heart of the University s mission and it is home to a wealth of expertise, facilities and talent relevant to business. Universities generate know-how and Lincoln s recognises the importance of ensuring it finds useful application in business, the economy and society. Potential partnerships can range from a simple student project or finding a talented recruit, to long-term collaborative research and technical consultancy. Call us on , sparkhouse@lincoln.ac.uk or visit Whether you are from a local small business or a global multi-national, working in the public, the private or the third sector, a conversation with the university is without obligation and free of charge. The University of Lincoln is one of the fastest rising universities in the UK ranking, climbing 48 places in just 3 years. 4

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6 Startup support services Sparkhouse offers a complete support package for startup businesses; giving you room to grow within professional office spaces in an award-winning building that is complete with parking, café and fully-equipped meeting rooms. The programme will provide you with: Stepped rent Business planning advice An assigned mentor Access to specialist support Signposting to external business support Seminars and workshops Networking events Space within a thriving community of like-minded businesses As a tenant you will also benefit from a manned reception, postal service and access to all of our facilities*. Sparkhouse is designed to give you the space and support you need to fuel the future of your business, something that has seen us accredited for best practice by the UKBI. *Please see facilities on P.16 for more information. 6

7 Starting your journey The first steps in business are some of the To apply for our startup services we require a hardest, but also some of the most exciting. business plan and a first year financial forecast. You will then be asked to present and discuss Sparkhouse can help you every step of the way. Knowing the right direction them with our selection panel. From that to take, making the right point we ll be able to help and support you to contacts and investing time and develop your business idea. money in the right places - the considerations can seem overwhelming at times. At this stage of business it is essential to surround yourself with the right people in a creative and inspiring environment. 7

8 Planning your business A business plan is an essential way to organise both your finances and your activity most effectively. It not only helps you identify your targets and goals, but it also crystallises your ideas into a set of achievable milestones. Writing a business plan can be a daunting task, but we can assist you and give you help and advice about what the possibilities are for your new business. 8

9 Stepped inclusive rent As a new business using Sparkhouse startup services, rent is incrementally stepped to help you make the most of your cashflow. The inclusive rent is designed to make it easy for you to manage your business. 9

10 Mentoring and support One of Sparkhouse s most valuable assets is its mentoring service; available to all tenants. Our Mentors are experienced professionals from the region who will share their in-depth knowledge and real-life experience in an industry sector that is relevant to your business. Our mentors are available as needed throughout your tenancy and will be an invaluable source of support and guidance as your business develops. Sparkhouse has helped over 230 new businesses in creating more than 370 new jobs 10

11 The next steps Once your business starts to grow taking an office or virtual office service couldn t be simpler. From a business continuity perspective your address and contact details will be the same and your clients will know where to find you. Your rent will also remain competitive and you will still benefit from our city centre location and connection with the University of Lincoln. 11

12 Growing your business at Sparkhouse Our 12 modern office spaces range from 21sqm to 57sqm and are accessible 24 hours a day, perfect for your growing business. Wireless broadband can also be accessed in the café and outside patio areas for informal meetings. The following is included in our rental packages*: Telephone and data outlets Telephone line rental Power Broadband and wireless broadband Use of meeting rooms Use of communal kitchens Use of toilets and shower rooms Networking areas *Business rates are payable directly to Lincoln City Council, telephone call charges are billed separately 12

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15 Virtual office services Not all businesses require an office space but would still like to make the most of our support and facilities when needed. This could include using the centre as a registered office or postal address, having access to the meeting rooms and café, and use of the secretarial and telephone answering services. This gives you the services you need to help convey a professional image to your clients. There are three virtual packages available for more information visit 15

16 Facilities Sparkhouse is housed in Lincoln s first BREEAM Excellent rated building. The building has a number of visible sustainable design features including a Sedum Green roof incorporating wind cowls and photovoltaic panels and overhanging pods that provide solar shading to the southfacing façades. All materials used in the building s construction are sustainably sourced and the building has been designed to be fully recyclable. Location Sparkhouse is sited within the Enterprise@Lincoln building on the University of Lincoln campus. The city centre location is within walking distance of the Lincoln s main bus and train stations and has substantial parking for tenants and visitors. 16

17 Meeting rooms Meeting rooms are a key facility available to Sparkhouse tenants and can be booked via reception free of charge. The spacious rooms can accommodate up to 25 boardroom style or 50 theatre style and are fully air-conditioned. Catering and refreshments for meetings and seminars can also be provided by the in-house café at an additional charge. Café Our café is a busy hub that provides an excellent location for an informal meeting. The café sells a wide range of refreshments and snacks and is a great place to meet with your clients over coffee. Kitchens Sparkhouse also has a number of shared kitchen areas equipped with fridges, microwave ovens and dishwashers. Post & reception services The Sparkhouse package is complete with a professional reception service to greet your visitors, answer your telephone in your company name and receive and distribute your post for you. 17

18 Your next step To begin your business journey, simply ring our team on or and we will be happy to help. 18

19 To date, businesses from Sparkhouse have put over 1m back into the local economy.

20 Sparkhouse building Rope Walk Lincoln LN6 7DQ sparkhouselincoln.co.uk Part funded by Design, photography and copywriting by POP pop-branding.com