New start-up support scheme

Regus is offering free use of its business centres to new UK businesses in a bid to stimulate growth in the start-up sector.

Under the £10million scheme, called Get Started, Regus, a global provider of workplace solutions, is offering unlimited use of its business lounges and cafés in over 1,000 locations worldwide by signing people up to its businessworld programme. More than 100,000 people have become members of businessworld since its launch in 2008 and are already benefiting from the flexible low-cost workstyle it provides. The Get Started campaign will help up to 50,000 budding entrepreneurs realise their business ambitions while mitigating some of the risk.

Potential entrepreneurs can access three options within the scheme:
1. Gold membership to Regus businessworld for three months, which includes unlimited access to 135 Regus business lounges and cafes, administrative support, free internet access, complimentary refreshments and preferred rates on additional products.

2. Free use of day offices or meeting rooms. If a business plan is not finalised, Regus will provide day offices for intense planning and meeting rooms so entrepreneurs can meet with potential partners, suppliers and customers in a professional setting.

3. Free office space for three months. If you have a clear plan and are ready to get your business up and running then Regus will provide free office space for up to three months.

Says Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus: “In years to come people will look back to 2009 as a time of great economic depression. We all have a part to play in getting Britain working again, which is why we have launched the Get Started campaign. While the government has announced plans to get the unemployed and small businesses moving again, it’s vital the private sector takes decisive action now to support people who want to set up their own business.

“We believe the key to kick-starting the economy is to help our entrepreneurs create new enterprise - the lifeblood of the economy. I’d encourage other private sector companies to support the movement and develop similar packages.”

You can sign up to Get Started at www.regus.co.uk/getstarted or by visiting any Regus centre.