Variety is the spice of Spring at HWBidCo Enterprise HQ

Renewable energy installation, streetwear, art as a way to raise awareness of challenging illnesses, a prize-winning street food idea and a ladies fashion retailer are among the businesses ventures that’ll be taking a step onto the High Street at HWBIDCo’s Enterprise HQ this Spring.

HWBIDCo created Enterprise HQ from a derelict unit at 9-10 Church Street to encourage new or start-up businesses to consider the benefits of trading in High Wycombe town centre. The latest group of entrepreneurs to take up the challenge range from one that’s taking a well known technology that’s not usually found on the High Street in to test whether it works as a way to develop the business, through local students looking to showcase their enterprising idea, to an established online business that’s keen to explore the ‘bricks and mortar’ option.

Full details of the current calendar of occupiers for Enterprise HQ are listed below.

Spring 2015 at Enterprise HQ

March 23-29 SMC Energy: Renewable Energy Installation & Consultancy. Technical Director, Marc Asker, says: “Many will be aware of renewable technology like Solar Panels on your roof for generating electricity to reduce your bills and receive Government incentives for doing so. However, there are many more technologies suitable for domestic or commercial use that are less well known. A space in Enterprise HQ brings these technologies to the High Street and the chance for people to learn more.”

April 3-18 Streetwear: Just back from the US, having stocked up with the latest streetwear fashion he found there, 29-year-old Adeel Quereshi returns for his second stint in Enterprise HQ, keen to build on a successful stay here in the run to Christmas. Adeel said: “Without HWBIDCo I could not have taken this step, but with the opportunity Enterprise HQ provides, having my own premises on the High Street has now become a possibility.”

April 19-May 3 Mixed Media Fine Art: Shannon Smyth starts university in September and is looking to make valuable use of the time until then to help create awareness of challenging illnesses. Shannon says: “HWBIDCo’s Enterprise HQ is an amazing new opportunity for young people in High Wycombe; it’s what our town really needed. I’ll be making use of the space as part of my work on a topic close to my heart, creating awareness for mental health issues and eating disorders. I am a mixed media artist and will share the space with friends who’ll also be making art pieces alongside my theme, and gives us the chance to see the reaction of the public to our work.”

May 4-10 Nomad street food distributor, Peel Good: 21 year-old Tinashe Mandimika is a 3^rd year Advertising: Creative student at Bucks New University and won their recent Start Up Live Business Concept Competition with his street food idea specialising in banana sandwiches. He’s looking to make use of Enterprise HQ to build up a trading culture and reputation for his business. Tinashe says: “If you have got an idea, don’t sit around and ask yourself whether it will work or not. Just get up and do it. If you fail, fail better!”

May 12-17 (tbc) Love Layers & Basics Women’s Clothing Essentials: Melissa Wright and Celia Pearson are bringing their online business onto the High Street for a week in Enterprise HQ. Melissa says: “We offer a simple but stylish range of pieces that take you from season to season, perfect for our unpredictable weather. From t-shirts and tanks to leggings and layers our collection is designed to compliment your wardrobe with essential basics.”

May 23 & 24 Harmonica Workshops hosted by Buckinghamshire Learning Trust Music. Details to follow.

How HWBIDCo Enterprise HQ can work for your business:

• The Enterprise HQ space, over two floors, is available to hire on a straightforward inclusive license to occupy in short-term lets from a couple of days through to a maximum of six weeks, where the business offer is a strong enough proposition.
• HWBIDCO are keen to hear from businesses that are currently trading online or at trade shows and are looking to take the first step onto the High Street, ones that are established in another town and looking to expand, or individuals looking for a space to test a start-up.
• Businesses can hire the space alone or as part of a group, and HWBIDCo will link would-be occupiers together if any come forward who need a share but don’t have one set up.
• Occupants of Enterprise HQ will also be eligible for business support advice and guidance if their business needs it looking ahead to its next stage of development.

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