Serviced office provider BE Offices has launched a scheme to encourage foreign businesses to relocate to Bristol.
Working in partnership with United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI), the company has announced plans to allow firms to rent business space for free for the first three to six months. Participating businesses will be given a package of free facilities including shared desk space, broadband and wifi access and a call handling and message service, in one of two locations in the city.
“We feel it’s great that UKTI is trying to encourage people to come into the city,” said Stacey McCarthy, centre manager of Business Environment’s offices in City Point, Temple Gate. “The area has amazing things going for it, including a great workforce partly fueled by two top universities, its status as the only UK city shortlisted for the Green Capital Award, and the strength of science and technology in the area. As a result, we were keen to be involved, and make it easier for companies to relocate to the area.”
While the UKTI’s programme has yet to be formally launched, Business Environment has already trialed its offering with two prominent companies – Environmental businesses Earth Systems and change management specialists Xenergie Consulting.