To encourage entrepreneurship and spark innovation, WNDC made a series of business boosting investments.
In 2007, it helped the Portfolio Innovation Centre to triple in size. Based at the University of Northampton, the centre provides first class offices and a supportive network for up to 45 young design, digital and creative companies.
“Boasting world class firms ranging from Carlsberg to Cosworth, Northampton’s business community has been a leading light in the town’s regeneration. ”
In another partnership between WNDC and the University, work started on an Innovation Centre at St Peter’s Waterside in December 2013. The £8.5m development will support budding social enterprises, building on the University’s emerging reputation in that sector.
As well as encouraging fledgling businesses, WNDC backed efforts to attract more established firms to the area. Working with Northamptonshire Enterprise, it participated in a series of joint ventures designed to boost the level of office space available across West Northamptonshire. This included Heron House in Northampton, which was a high profile addition to the successful Swan Valley Office Village. Meanwhile, in Towcester, it invested in the Axis 43 office scheme at Tove Valley Business Park. All of these projects were part of a pledge to make West Northamptonshire a better place to do business.
