Grand opening for women;s centre

02 May 2008

WHAT is billed as the UK's first ever purpose-built business centre for women was officially launched today.

Over 150 guests sipped champagne, as a cake was cut to mark the opening

of the Businessworks centre, situated at the Newham College in High Street South.

It has been created to meet government plans to pilot women's business centres nationwide.

The centre will build on the college's Her Business project, which helped over 500 women start their own business.

The project had no permanent base and had to work out of whatever offices and resources were available within the college.

A team, which is currently working with over 2,000 women, will now be able to use the purpose-built facilities for workshops, one-to-one or group coaching, networking and other events.

The centre offers access to ongoing business advice, as well as units available for hire. Professionals such as accountants and lawyers will also hold surgeries at the centre.

Speakers at the launch included East Ham MP Stephen Timms and non-executive director of Jobcentre Plus Sarah Anderson.

Director of the college's Centre for Innovation and Partnerships, Di Gowland, said: "Through our work with women entrepreneurs, we have witnessed the growth in self esteem and self confidence our services have brought. Our intention with the centre is to provide a service that transforms women's lives."

For more information call (020) 8257 4204 or info@herbusinessuk.co.uk or drop into the centre from Monday-Friday.