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UEL and ELBA launch new mentoring programme for East London entrepreneurs

Wednesday 13 September 2006

Local entrepreneurs gathered at the University of East London (UEL) Docklands campus on Thursday 7 September for the launch of a free Enterprise Mentoring Programme aimed at matching the needs of new small businesses with the expertise of successful organisations.

The new scheme is run by Knowledge Dock, UEL’s enterprise development and support service, in collaboration with the East London Business Alliance (ELBA).

Over 35 aspiring entrepreneurs attended its launch at the recently opened UEL Knowledge Dock Centre. Steve Davies, Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC, and Terry Taber from the Federation of Small Businesses were among the key speakers, before the entrepreneurs themselves took to the floor to deliver 60-second summaries of their business proposals.

Rob Moss, Director of Knowledge Dock, welcomed the participants, many of whom already take advantage of the wide range of business facilities and courses offered at UEL, including the Hothatch, which provides its clients with a business address, desk facilities and crucial support and guidance during the set-up stages of their enterprises.

Rob said: “Our new Knowledge Dock Centre stands as a testament to the University of East London’s deep commitment to enterprise. Thanks to this wonderful new building, we’ve been able to expand and unite our facilities, and can now look forward to working with an increasing number of entrepreneurs and hosting a wide variety of constructive events such as tonight.”

Marjorielyn Campbell, Project Manager Thames Gateway at ELBA, said: “We are very happy to be working with UEL in the launch of this exciting new Enterprise Mentoring Programme. Both organisations recognise that the support and success of SMEs is what really drives economic growth in the community, and we both aim to utilise the resources of large organisations to provide that support.”

Abby Moginda, of Dagenham, came to the event to find out more about marketing and financing her designs for an MP3 audio-book device. She said: “I’ve been using the Hothatch for almost two years to develop my company, Fact Radio Ltd. The Knowledge Dock team have always given me great support and I've taken advantage of almost every free course they offer.”

Roberto Santos, of Stratford, is working with Hothatch staff to help promote his unique Dryecowash car-cleaning fluid, which allows people to clean and polish their vehicles without using water. He said: “Thanks to the Hothatch, I can now look forward to marketing my business and taking it onto the next level.”

Steve Davies, Head of Commercial at HSBC, said: “I’ve been surprised and encouraged by the range of businesses being developed at the Hothatch. It’s great to see so many enthusiastic entrepreneurs, and I very much look forward to developing HSBC’s links with Knowledge Dock in the future.”

Terry Taber, Essex Regional Organiser of the Federation of Small Businesses, added: “It’s great to see the developing relationship between education and business, with a common goal of ensuring the success of the local business community.”

For further information about the new Enterprise Mentoring Programme, or any of the business facilities and courses offered at UEL, visit www.knowledgedock.com or contact Thorsten Klein, Hothatch Manager, on 020 8223 7287.

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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