New year, new business, new office

January is traditionally a time for reflection and resolution. Recruitment agencies will tell you that many people will begin the New Year having resolved to make a major career change. Maybe it’s a pipe dream of yours to start your own business, but the thought is somewhat overwhelming in terms of the impact on your life as well as your finances. Well don’t worry, there’s plenty of help and support out there, and if you’d prefer to keep your work and home life separate, setting up a professional office isn’t as expensive as you think.

Professional work environment

The UOE Hub in the centre of Hertford offers local entrepreneurs hot desking and serviced office space from £99+vat per month. Hub members benefit from being in a professional working atmosphere which also offers the opportunity to mix with other small business owners, who may just be willing to give advice based on their experiences, put some work your way, or just provide someone to chat with when you need a break.

Support and advice

Expert advice for brand new start ups doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, much of it can be free! Hertfordshire is fortunate to have Wenta, which runs free training courses, as well as business support and advice.

Networking events

If you rent office space at the UOE Hub in Hertford, there are local networking groups where you can meet and talk to other entrepreneurs. The Hertford Entrepreneurs’ Network (HEN) runs regular networking evenings at Hertford Castle, with talks from local business people. On the third Thursday of the month, you can join Hertford Business Buzz – there’s no commitment and no need to book, and at just £5 on the door, it’s understandably popular with start ups and small businesses. You don’t have to be a mum, or even a woman to go to MumsUnLtd business networking events – but the main purpose is to support mum and dadpreneurs who sometimes get let down by childminders and need a flexible, child-friendly environment where, if necessary, they can bring the little ones and not lose out on any business opportunities. There are many other networking organisations across Hertfordshire and London, so invest a bit of time researching into them and try a few out in order to find the best ones that will be most helpful to your business.

Good luck with your new business venture in 2019. If you would like to arrange to visit the UOE Hub in Hertford, fill in our Book a Tour of the Hub contact form..