360 East Cambridgeshire

Ed Vaizey Visits Connecting Cambridgeshire Superfast Broadband Partnership

2014-08-12T15:36:00.000+01:00

DIGITAL ECONOMY MINISTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO RAPID ROLL-OUT OF

CAMBRIDGESHIRE SUPERFAST BROADBAND PARTNERSHIP

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey today hailed the progress of the Connecting Cambridgeshire partnership, which has already made high-speed fibre broadband available to more than 30,000 homes and businesses in rural parts of the county.

During a fact-finding visit to the county today, the Minister heard how the programme had achieved the significant milestone just 34 weeks after the first green roadside cabinets went live.

To date, 150 new fibre cabinets have been installed in over 50 communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, giving thousands of people access to high speed fibre broadband, with many more to come over the next year.

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “I congratulate Connecting Cambridgeshire on their excellent progress to date. I’m delighted to hear that 30,000 homes and business in the county have joined more than a million others around the UK who are already benefiting from the Government’s UK rollout.”

The visit took place today as the Government announced that more than 1 million UK homes and businesses now have access to superfast broadband as a result of the UK wide rollout. The rate at which superfast technology is being rolled out under the programme is rapidly accelerating. An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 UK premises are now gaining access every week and the programme will extend superfast broadband to 95 per cent of the UK by 2017.

After visiting the rural village of Spaldwick, where over a third of residents have upgraded to superfast broadband, the Minister will join celebrations at Willingham with Bill Murphy, managing director of next generation access for BT; Kim Mears, next generation access director for BT’s local network business, Openreach; local councillors and Connecting Cambridgeshire programme partners.

Connecting Cambridgeshire will also announce today an award of £75,000 extra Government funding to help more women start or grow their own businesses by getting online and taking advantage of faster broadband with the support of women’s business networks.

The fibre broadband roll-out has already reached a third of its target to bring faster broadband access to more

than 90,000 properties across the county, which would not otherwise be able to get it, by the end of 2015.

Launched last November, the phased roll-out is surging ahead with some areas going live earlier than scheduled and another 50 cabinets due to go live by the end of September 2014 with many more to come as the roll-out gathers pace.

Councillor Mac McGuire, Deputy Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, which is leading the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, said:

“It is a significant milestone that the Connecting Cambridgeshire superfast roll-out has reached 30,000 premises in just over eight months. The programme is making fantastic progress and we’re already seeing the huge difference that faster connectivity makes to busy households and rural businesses.

“Faster broadband is helping to boost our economy, allowing our businesses to compete and create jobs. It also makes it far easier for residents to access vital services and keep in touch in a digital world.

“We realise there are still a lot of people waiting for better broadband and we want to reassure them that it’s on the way. This is a challenging engineering project, however we are on track to make Cambridgeshire one of the best connected counties in the country by the end of next year.”

Connecting Cambridgeshire is also ensuring that businesses can make the most of faster connections and digital technology to boost the local economy.

More than 500 small businesses have already applied for connection vouchers and grants up to £4,000, plus free advice through the programme’s Destination Digital business support project, which runs until March 2015. Further details are available at www.destinationdigital.info

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Free Public Wi-Fi Launched in Cambridge

2014-06-23T12:09:00.002+01:00

Free Wi-Fi across central Cambridge is set to revolutionise like never before the way residents, visitors and students connect to the city.

A year-long trial of a new Wi-Fi network is being launched today (Monday 23 June) by Connecting Cambridgeshire and The University of Cambridge ready for when the Tour de France comes to Cambridge on Monday 7 July.

The free Wi-Fi will allow people to keep up to date with friends, work or study on the move and share their experiences of events such as the Tour de France. The service is being provided through BskyB-owned The Cloud, which has over 22,000 hotspots across the UK.

Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council and the University of Cambridge have worked together to set up the free public access Wi-Fi, which builds upon existing University networks to bring lasting benefits for the city and beyond.

It is the first step in making Wi-Fi technology more widely available as part of Connecting Cambridgeshire’s ambitious programme to improve connectivity across the county.

More than 20 new Wi-Fi access points have been installed on lighting posts, CCTV poles and public buildings at key locations including Parker’s Piece, King’s Parade, the Senate House and the market area. They include traditional looking lamp posts that have been specially engineered to host the latest Wi-Fi technology discretely.

Councillor Steve Count, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, which leads the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, said: “Cambridge has always been at the forefront of new technology and evolving the way we interact with the world. This new free public Wi-Fi service in central Cambridge is a fantastic example of the difference we can make for residents, visitors and students by working together.

“Developing wider public access Wi-Fi and improving mobile coverage is part of the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme’s drive for better connectivity across the county, which is vital in an increasingly digital world. This trial paves the way for improving wireless connectivity across the city and beyond.”

Jon Holgate, Head of Network, University of Cambridge, said: “The University of Cambridge has taken this opportunity to invest in free public Wi-Fi because of the value of extending our existing University networks and bringing a lasting legacy for the city, which everyone can benefit from. This project represented an excellent opportunity to work closely both with University colleagues as well as local partners across the City to deliver genuinely innovative and leading-edge services to academics and the general public alike.

“We expect thousands of people will use the free Wi-Fi for the Tour de France event which will be a challenge for the network capacity, and the good news is that the service will still be available when the cyclists have moved on.”

Councillor Lewis Herbert, Leader of Cambridge City Council said: “Cambridge has a global reputation for innovation. We want to enhance this by ensuring we are digitally connected, making sure people can access the Internet on the go.

“This is just the beginning of our plans to expand public access Wi-Fi for the city and beyond, so more people can share the benefits of being connected where-ever they are.”

Users of the free Wi-Fi can connect to the Internet by logging in, or registering, via a shared landing page on The Cloud, which will provide links to useful information and event updates. A map of free Wi-Fi coverage in Cambridge can be viewed at www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk/wifi

Connecting Cambridgeshire is leading the introduction of public access Wi-Fi as part of the Government-funded Super Connected Cities project to improve superfast broadband connectivity and expand wireless technology in Cambridge and surrounding economic areas of South Cambridgeshire.

The University of Cambridge is investing in the network as part of plans to extend its existing education Wi-Fi networks to all Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin students, staff and visiting academics to cover open spaces such as Parker’s Piece and Jesus Green.

The University’s existing networks already support up to 25,000 unique visitors each week of which a third are visitors from other universities. Demand for the free Wi-Fi will be monitored over the next 12 months to help plan for future extension of the network.

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Can Grant Funding Help to Change Your Business?

2014-05-19T14:18:00.002+01:00

Businesses in East Cambridgeshire are a call away from potentially accessing grant funding to help them succeed thanks to a novel partnership between the e-space business centres and Grants4Growth.

Grants4Growth provides capital and revenue grants for small to medium sized companies to purchase or install new processes, equipment and clean technology with the aim of helping them to invest-to-grow.

Grants4Growth Business Broker, Kurt Scheepers, will be basing himself at e-space business centre (just off the A10 in Littleport) on the 2nd June, and then the first Monday of each month, to offer businesses 1 hour of free one-to-one grant advice and support to see how Grants4Growth can support your business, help you with the application process and highlight other funding sources that can help your business grow.

Businesses within East Cambs can potentially access a variety of funding streams.

Up to £6,300 of capital funding to help your business invest to grow (Grants4Growth)
Up to £1,666 of revenue funding (Grants4Growth)
Up to £4,000 of ICT funding available for hardware, software and connectivity (Destination Digital)
12 hours of free business support to help develop a digital strategy (Destination Digital)
A wide range of other programmes to support apprenticeships, skills training, R&D, sustainable transport, and business growth.

If you would like to book a free one-to-one meeting with grants specialist Kurt Scheepers to see how the Grants4Growth and any wider grants scheme can help your business please email: adminnorth@espaceely.comor Tel: 01353 865300 for an appointment.

Appointments are available between 10am-4pm on Monday 2^nd June, starting on the hour. e-space north business centre location can be found via: http://espaceely.com/e-space-north-location/

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

FrostNet celebrate ten years at espace business centre

2014-05-07T12:57:00.000+01:00

The development company who specialise in bespoke hardware, software and embedded systems for a wide variety of applications have been tenants since 2004 when the company was asked to complete the building of two medical sewing machines and needed additional space.

FrostNet found just what they needed at e-space north business centre in Littleport taking their first unit to complete the wiring and testing of the machines before they were installed in the client’s production clean room.

Over the ten years the company has benefitted from the close business links and community within the centres finding new business contacts such as Veraxyz LLC who they have successfully collaborated with to develop specialist photogrammetry software for 3D systems.

The company has continued to grow at the centres moving into new units taking advantage of the flexible terms and differing sizes on offer across the 34 available units and continue to look forward to a bright future in Littleport.

e-space business centre manager Elvira Amoraal said ‘The e-space team were happy to wish FrostNet a happy 10^th annivesary. They have been a shining example of how the centres can support small and growing companies to make new links, develop their business and thrive over a sustained period of time.’

For more information on FrostNet Ltd please visit: http://frostnet.ltd.uk/

To find out more about e-space business centres please visit: http://espaceely.com/

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Three new tenants land at e-space

2014-04-30T16:50:00.000+01:00

Three new tenants land at e-space

e-space north has welcomed three new tenants this month to their flagship innovation centre in Littleport.

The tenants Chemox Pound, Biz Genesis and Benchmarks are the latest additions to the range of small and growing companies at the centre.

Chemo Pound Ltd are a privately owned company traditionally involved with the sales, marketing and distribution of speciality chemicals and pigments to the surface coating and plastics industries. Benchmarks specialise in the refurbishment of public and private sector property including social housing, educational establishments, community buildings and commercial premises. And Bis Genesis Ltd is a start up company specialising in information on children's health conditions and promotion of general wellbeing through a free subscription weekly email newsletter.

Centre Manager Elvira Amoraal said 'We are really pleased to welcome the businesses to the centre. With our flexible leases and friendly, customer focussed team we look forward to doing all we can to help the new tenants grow their companies over the next few months and years as they hopefully develop into another great business based here at e-space.'

The e-space centres in Littleport and Ely are designed to help small companies grow and prosper with over 30 firms having out grown the centres since they opened in 2001.

For more information about the available office space in Ely and Littleport please visit: www.espaceely.com or call 01353 865300.

Photo: Abi Taylor and Elvira Amoraal (e-space north), Sharon Covell and Tamzen Pound (Chemox Pound), Anthony Fan (Biz Genesis) and Ben Whiting (Benchmarks)

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Prizes to be won at e-space this Easter!!

2014-04-16T16:03:00.002+01:00

News reaches 360 towers of a fantastic Easter Egg competition organised by e-space business centres for anyone looking for office space in and around Ely.

The centres based in Ely and Littleport are offering any prospective tenant who views an office space at the centres the chance to win 10 egg-citing prizes with the top give away an egg-tastic 30% off your rent for the first 6 months if you take a unit at the centres.

For your chance to win one of the following prizes all you have to do is attend a viewing at any e-space business centre and choose a lucky egg!

Prizes on offer are:

25% Off your rent for the first 6 months
Free phone lines for 2 months
15% Off your rent for the first 6 months
20% Off your first Utility bill
10% Off your first Utility bill
30% Off your rent for the first 6 months
Free phone lines for 2 months
10% Off your first Utility bill
20% Off your first Utility bill
25% Off your rent for the first 6 months

Offer valid for the month of April and May 2014.

If you would like to find out more about the centres and the office space on offer please visit www.espaceely.com or Tel: 01353 865300 or email: adminnorth@espaceely.com and arrange a viewing with Abi Taylor.

Happy hunting!

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

IT Business Support and Business Grants in Cambridgeshire

2014-02-27T12:14:00.001+00:00

Destination Digital - Small Business Grants and Business Support for ICT

SME's across Cambridgeshire can now benefit from a new business grant and business support service for any company looking to invest in ICT hardware, software or connectivity.

The Cambridgeshire grants and business support scheme was launched this week to help boost business growth and the local economy to support Cambridgeshire businesses make the most of efficiency, productivity and sales opportunities provided by digital services.

The Connecting Cambridgeshire partnership of local councils across Cambridgeshire has secured £1.73 million in European Regional Development Funding to support the grant programme.

What business support and grants can i get access to via the Destination Digital Programme?

If you are an SME within Cambridgeshire you may eligible for up to 12 hours of free business consultancy to help you identify and exploit digital technologies for your business alongside a 40% of costs grant up to £4,000 to help you invest in new hardware, software or connectivity.

Do i need to take up the business support element to apply for the ICT small business grant?

There is no requirement for a business to have used the business support element of the scheme. If you are an SME in Cambridgeshire looking to invest in ICT then you are able to enquire directly about the grant toward hardware, software or connectivity.

Where can i find out more and apply to take part in the business support and grant scheme?

If you are interested in finding out how the Destination Digital business support and grants programme can help your business please visit www.destinationdigital.info or call 0800 9177044 to talk to an advisor.

Are there any opportunities for local suppliers of broadband enabled technologies, digital products and services?

Yes. Please visit the Destination Digital website to find out more about the programme and to register your company as a service provider. www.destinationdigital.info

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Cambridgeshire business scheme to help access finance

2014-01-10T15:51:00.001+00:00

A new grant scheme has been launched to help SMEs access finance.

The Access to Finance (A2F) stream of the Growth Accelerator service gives companies across Cambridgeshire access to some of the UK's top business coaches for one-to-one guidance. It is designed to support companies to double their turnover in the next 3-5 years by offering specialist finance coaching.

A2F will be delivered by St John's Innovation Centre in Cambridge with regular Masterclasses covering business planning, pitching for investment and applying for grants to help businesses optimise their investment proposition and maximise their chances of raising finance.

A2F is open to businesses registered in England with fewer than 250 employees and turnover below £40million across many sectors. The coaching panel spans a broad range of expertise including high-tech, life sciences, telecoms, manufacturing, construction, logistics and food.

For further information about the scheme please visit: www.growthaccelerator.com or contact St John's Innovation Centre to speak to a Growth Manager on 01223 422378 or email: coaching@stjohns.co.uk

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Superfast Broadband Goes Live In Cambridgeshire

2013-11-26T10:52:00.002+00:00

The first Connecting Cambridgeshire Superfast Broadband Cabinets went live yesterday bringing fibre based broadband to 10 rural communities across Cambridgeshire.

The switch on of the new cabinets marks the first steps toward achieving the projects aim to make fibre based broadband available to 98% of premises across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The new cabinets will allow more than 1500 homes and businesses the chance to receive faster broadband speeds of 24mbps by upgrading to superfast with their internet service provider.

The project bringing together funding and support from national, county, district and local residents is on track to deliver fibre based broadband by the end of December 2015 making Cambridgeshire one of the best connected counties in the country.

Leader of the County Council, Councillor Martin Curtis said 'We know many people have been eagerly anticipating the first phase of the roll-out since the signing of the contract in BT in March. I am delighted that we have achieved our promise to see our investment start delivering fibre broadband for homes and businesses before the end of this year.

The 360ec team look forward to more announcement on new cabinets soon!

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Oxfam 2013 Walk

2013-11-19T12:07:00.000+00:00

Oxfam 2013 Walk: Chilford Hall, Cambridgeshire
The e-space team took part in the 2013 Oxfam walk held at Childford Hall in October 2013 in aid of Oxfam's emergency fund.

We were happy to be joined by Lucy Freeman from Inventive Creative based at e-space south to show her support and colleagues from East Cambridgeshire District Council.

Oxfam work in hard hit regions like West Africa, where they are aiming to to help 1.8 million people survive chronic food shortages. To be there each time a disaster hits, they rely on us to help.

Elvira Amoraal e-space centre manager added 'Oxfam hoped to raise £30,000 on the day. Both tenants and e-space staff alike were pleased to take part in the walk to help a worthwhile cause.'

From left to right are: Lucy Freeman from Inventive Creative Ltd, Elvira Amoraal from e-space business centres, Emma Crossley from Oxfam, Abi Taylor from e-space north and Darren Hill from East Cambridgeshire District Council.

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Available Business Grant Funding in East Cambridgeshire

2013-11-07T10:18:00.000+00:00

Businesses came together yesterday at e-space business centre in Littleport to hear from expert speakers on available business grants and funding sources.

The joint networking event hosted jointly between East Cambridgeshire District Council and the Ely Chamber of Commerce attracted over 40 business delegates keen to find out more about the available support for growth and investment projects.

A selection of the grants and business funding available for small businesses in the area can be seen below:

Grants 4 Growth

•A two-year package of free, confidential and impartial support for: SMEs including Charities, Social Enterprises and Not for Profit organisations.

•Practical support and financial assistance to help SMEs reduce costs, increase competitiveness and stimulate growth

•Available Capital Grants of up to £6,300

•For more info visit: www.grants4growth.org.uk

ICT Business Support & Grants (Launched January 2014)

• £1.173 in ERDF funding secured to support SMEs across Cambs& Pboro

• ICT events across the county in 2014

• Dedicated one - one business support and diagnostics

• Grant funding of up to £4k for ICT projects to improve efficiency and productivity

•Visit www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk/business-support for more info and pre-registration form

If you have a business growth project and would like further advice on available business funding within East Cambridgeshire please email: business@eastcambs.gov.uk

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Cambridge Dyslexia Exhibition

2013-09-11T09:51:00.000+01:00

An event to provide FREE Information about Dyslexia

Whether you have discovered that you or your child may be Dyslexic and would like to find out how to be assessed, or if you have been diagnosed but would like to find out what help is available, this event is for you.

Our exhibitors will offer a range of helpful information including:

- How to get an assessment
- How to support a child or a member of staff
- Available products and technology that can help
- Where to get support
- Free local resources
- Seminars

Date: Saturday 19th October
Entry: Free
Time: 10am – 4.30pm
Location:

The Shirley Centre Exhibitors
Shirley Primary School Product Demonstrations
Nuffield Road Workshops
Chesterton Cambridge
CB4 1TF

To find out more please call on 01353 662307 or visit www.cambridgedyslexiaexhibition.co.uk

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Motorcycle Mechanic Apprenticeship

2013-09-06T16:52:00.001+01:00

A growing Soham business is looking for an East Cambs based resident to take on as a motorcycle mechanic apprentice.

The apprenticeship role would suit a bright and enthusiastic candidate looking for a start in the motorcycle repair and service sector.

The right candidate will benefit from two experienced C & G qualified motor mechanics. We race tune, service and modify suspension and the qualified person at the end will be taught all they need to be head mechanic.

There is the opportunity for the right candidate to progress and work toward become head mechanic with the prospects of partnership status.

Person profile:

Willingness to learn new skills and take on board instructions, practical interests, excellent communication skills, polite, confident and friendly manner.

An interest in motorcycles, hard working, reliable, enthusiastic and self motivated.

Applicants must be residents of the district of East Cambridgeshire. Please see district map to check eligibility: http://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/maps/wards-map

Application:

Please send a personal statement outlining your skills and interests to 360eastcambs@gmail.com by Friday 13th September.

For more information on apprenticeships please visit: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Games Developer Branches Out to Success

2013-08-20T16:13:00.000+01:00

E-Space North has said goodbye to one of its longest serving tenants this summer with Inertia Game Studios expanding into new premises

The company, which started in 2003 developing downloadable games for PCs, now focus entirely on games for social and mobile devices, creating several popular Facebook titles and recently released Darkmoor Manor exclusively for mobile devices.

Their success has seen them grow for nearly ten years at E-Space North taking advantage of the excellent location and competitive rent to develop their products in international markets.

However in order to meet the demands of an expanding business and a growing staff, the company decided to move to larger offices.

Greg Denness from Inertia, said: “We have worked really hard over the last few years to grow and develop our products – this has seen our games grow to over 500,000 users over our social games. This success has meant we had to find a new office to meet the needs of the expanding business which sadly means moving out of E-Space North. It is fair to say without the help and support of all the people there, we would not have become the successful company we are today. The building was more than an office – it was a great community which we were proud to be part of so while we are excited about the future, we will really miss our time at E-Space.”

Elvira Amoraal, Centre Manager, said: “The E-Space business centres are there to help start ups and small businesses take their first steps in business. Inertia is a great example of how a company can grow and succeed – fully utilising all the services which E-Space North offered. So while it is always sad to lose an excellent tenant we know they are moving on to greater success and it also opens the way for another firm looking to take on their first commercial premises.”

The e-space centres in Littleport and Ely are designed to help small companies grow and prosper with over 30 firms having out grown the centres since they opened in 2001.

The e-space business centres are serviced offices for any small and growing business looking to rent office space in Ely and Littleport near Cambridge:

•    Flexible easy in, easy out leases requiring just one-months notice
•    50 offices across two business centres ranging from 150 to 650 sq ft
•    Manned reception, ample parking and secure 24-hour access
•    Fast track leases to move in to an office and start doing business within 14 days
•    Superfast broadband

These firms have involved a diverse range of industries from web designers, social enterprises and communications/IT businesses including: Addictive Interactive, ST1 Consulting, Ozmo Devices, Asynt, Kore Technology.

To find out more about e-space business centres please call 01353 644 000 or visit www.espaceely.com

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Cambridgeshire Cycle Funding

2013-08-14T16:16:00.000+01:00

Organisations in Cambridgeshire can apply for free cycle racks to encourage people to arrive by bike,

offering secure cycle parking and tackling cycle theft.

Cambridgeshire County Council has funded the free bike stands through ParkThatBike, a social enterprise. Up to two stands are available per applicant and each holds two bikes securely. The scheme launched last September in Cambridgeshire and so far 75 stands have been installed across the county.

Eligible organisations include:

small businesses
surgeries, dentists and health centres
schools, colleges, youth clubs, scouts and guides
charities and community associations
sports clubs and swimming pools
parish halls, meeting rooms and community centres
churches and places of worship
allotments and open spaces

Applicants must be based in Cambridgeshire and are responsible for installing the cycle parking on their own premises, in an agreed location. Eligible organisations can apply by visiting www.parkthatbike.info or calling 01594 564 344 and asking for an application form.

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

Camro Data Centre Development

2013-08-02T12:59:00.000+01:00

A clutch of high profile international companies are scouting the globe for a site suitable to house a major data centre.

These global giants need to boost their capabilities of handling an unprecedented data deluge generated in this advanced technological age. But finding the right data centre isn’t a straight land & property equation. Lofty mission statements and Corporate & Social Responsibility policies dictate that major corporates practise what they preach in terms of the ‘green’ agenda.

The site of a data centre has to carry a virtual guarantee that operations can be managed in an eco-efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Carbon footprint has to be lowered as a matter of course. High level security also has to be a given – not just security of equipment but also capability to minimise downtime. That means continuous power supply and back-up capability.

The good news is that just north of Cambridge is a European-leading site that is capable of not simply competing with the best but beating the best on the planet.

But here’s the real bonus ball: The Camro Data Centre site in Sutton has a priceless additional commodity that its main competitors cannot match – access to one of the world’s most envied talent pools. It taps into the Cambridge science & technology cluster and within a tight magic circle of academia allows companies located in the region to access future employees from the Universities of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cranfield, the University of East Anglia and University Campus Suffolk. A magnificent seven world-leading seats of learning and sources of staff.

It’s why Microsoft Corporation established its first research lab away from Seattle in Cambridge – ahead of China and India. And why AstraZeneca is bringing its global corporate headquarters to Cambridge Biomedical Campus in a move the UK government believes will trigger other major corporate relocations. And it’s why a clutch of Silicon Valley technology businesses are setting up in Cambridge – access to talent.

The UK is brilliant at innovation but not so hot on commercialisation but in terms of the global gold rush for data centres, Cambridge and the UK has a terrific hand to play. More importantly it is determined to play it. Camro Data Centre is the ace in the pack.

Dear old ‘do ourselves down Britain’ looks at the glass and sees it half empty – Scandinavian countries are realising the potential for data centres and closing the gap. Yes but look who sits on top of the pile on the right side of that divide – the United States and the UK. This was confirmed in a Property Week report on the Cushman & Wakefield Index governing data centres; it confirmed that the UK continues to offer the second best environment for data centres on the entire planet, bested only by the US.

Camro’s development therefore gives the UK a powerful new weapon in the fight to win new international data centre business – and it’s snuggling right next to Cambridge, the ideas and innovation capital of Europe.

If we accept that besides engineering and human resource issues, climate will prove a deciding factor in global companies’ decisions on data centre location than Cambridge scores well. The reality is that the UK climate data shows on average that cooling is very rarely necessary. Cambridge can summon the genie of green power with wind, PV and fuel cell capability – among others.

Camro’s goal is to work with occupiers to help reduce the environmental impact of their facilities through energy-efficient, green building design and operation – significantly reducing operating cost whether their preferred solution is modular or a bespoke traditional build.

Camro is actually located at a latitude of 520 23’ 42”, is to the north of London and also north of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Warsaw in Poland, Calgary in Canada and north of Newfoundland. With a temperate maritime climate, temperature and humidity are generally low and stable and ideally suited to ambient air cooling for data centres. Cambridge has one of the lowest rates of precipitation in the UK. A table based on ASHRAE/CIBSE data for London shows ‘free cooling’ is on average achievable 99.71 per cent of the year (Source: Bladeroom).

By matching air supply with air demand Bladeroom modular data centres can maintain a consistent PUE over variable loads. This offers highly efficient energy saving operation; in comparison to a legacy data centre with a PUE of 2.0 a power cost per 1.5MW saving over 10 years is calculated to exceed £12 million.

Energy costs can be further reduced or offset via:-

• Utilising combined heat and power (CHP) generated on site which typically reduces the cost of power in pence/kWh in excess of 10 per cent.
• CHP attracts significant tax incentives from the UK government through low-carbon generation and enhanced capital allowances.
• The Power Reserve market offers additional revenue streams to offset energy costs
• Using real-time power monitoring and analytics during operations and effectively managing a mix of energy to optimise solutions.

The Camro site also benefits from easy access to major international airports in the Midlands and South East. Plans for a four-runway Stansted Airport may yet hit the Government drawing board in the not-too-distant future. The Port of Felixstowe offers superb freight links via sea and, overland in Britain, by a recently extended rail network.

US companies are increasingly finding the Cambridge hinterland and its transatlantic-European links (especially fibre connectivity) – without being forced to go through the City of London – distinctly preferable to locations in mainland Europe.

California is a single flight and sub-two hour drive away from Cambridge through Heathrow – and longer term, Stansted is looking at restoring US passenger capability as a matter of priority given the international profile of technology companies in the cluster.

Improvements to infrastructure in the Cambridge cluster, the provision of new homes with the new town of Northstowe just around the corner, and an improving tax and immigration visa regime are icing on the cake.

Lower basic corporation tax is available through the relatively new patent box scheme and there are enhanced capital allowances for the use of green power. In the case of BladeRoom modules, 100 per cent of cost can be allowed.

The Government is constantly reviewing the tax regime and the UK’s attractiveness to foreign investors and there was further evidence this week that it is getting this area of strategy right.

The figures confirm the UK as the leading destination in Europe for foreign direct investment (FDI). In the last financial year the UK saw 1,559 investment projects secured – 11 per cent more projects than the previous year.

These projects are estimated to have brought with them 170,000 jobs – 51 per cent higher than in the previous year. Of these, nearly 60,000 were new jobs and 110,000 existing jobs were safeguarded.

The Camro Data Centre site could create thousands more and hook outstanding new overseas business for the phenomenal Cambridge cluster.

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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HMRC e-learning tool for exporters

2013-07-23T11:13:00.000+01:00

Do you sell goods or supply services to other EU countries?

HM Revenue & Customs have recently launched a new FREE e-learning tool that helps businesses looking to take the first steps toward exporting. The courses will build your confidence by guiding you through everything you need to know to get started. There are some examples and exercises to help you along the way.

This HMRC e-learning course will tell you how to keep records, deal with VAT and make additional returns.

Trading with other EU Countries (UKTI)

If you are thinking of exporting goods to non-European countries, this course will explain the export process, commodity codes, record-keeping and more.

Exporting Goods (UKTI)

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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SOS - Support Our Sophie!

2013-07-18T14:48:00.000+01:00

News reaches us today that the Sophie South from the e-space business centres team is taking on her biggest challenge yet.

On top of keeping the business centre in Ely ticking over and supporting the e-space tenants in anyway she can Sophie is also now doing her bit for charity, working to raise money for Get Kids Going.

Sophie, a first time runner, is undertaking the London Marathon in April 2014 on behalf of the Get Kids Going a National charity which gives disabled children and young people - up to the age of 26 yrs - the wonderful opportunity of participating in sport. They aim to give support to all disabled yougsters and aspiring athletes which need long term support, often over many years, to achieve their sporting dreams.

Alongside the small matter of the 26 mile course on the day Sophie has set herself the huge challenge of trying to raise £3500 to do all she can to support such a worthwhile cause.

If you would like to find out more about the Get Kids Going work please visit: http://www.getkidsgoing.com/

If you would like to support Sophie in her challenge please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SophieSouth-marathonpage

Good luck Sophie!

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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Angel CoFund goes national

2013-07-08T10:27:00.000+01:00

The Angel CoFund which brings together businesses and entrepreneurs along with government and private
sector investment extended across UK.

1# What is the Angel Cofund?

The Angel Cofund is a successful partnership that brings together promising businesses and successful entrepreneurs along with government and private sector investment. The Angel funding partnership for businesses has now been extended across the UK.

2# How much is the fund looking to invest in businesses?

The Angel CoFund invests amounts of £100,000 to £1 million into small and medium sized businesses with high growth potential, working in partnership with syndicates of experienced business angels to help companies fulfil their promise. As well as providing much-needed funding for ambitious small firms, the fund is using government backing to encourage the expansion of the business angel culture.

3# Where can i find out more about the Angel CoFund?

For details of how business angels can apply to the fund visit www.angelcofund.co.uk

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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Looking for a conference venue to meet your needs?

2013-06-05T15:53:00.000+01:00

E-space North has a strong reputation for nurturing local businesses and is now offering a ten per cent discount if ten conferences are booked at the renowned venue.

The business centre, located just off the A10 in the Littleport Business District, can cater for meetings from two to 50 people.

Anyone booking E-space North will be able to utilise a number of flexible meeting rooms which have wi-fi, laptops, projectors and screens all available to use. Conference organisers will also benefit from a fully staffed reception who will be able to meet and greet delegates.

The centre also has an in-house catering and refreshment service.

Councillor Tom Kerby, who leads on Economic Development at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We all know that E-space North has a terrific reputation for helping businesses to start and grow but not many people know about the fantastic conference facilities which are also available. To help spread the message about how bespoke our venue is we are running a special offer giving ten per cent off your next conference bookings.

“This is a great deal especially given the fantastic feedback E-space North has had from its regular users. Comments range from noting its ‘excellent value for money’ to the staff being ‘helpful and responsive to changing needs’ tell me that if businesses understand how good the centre is then this offer should be snapped up by anyone looking to hold a conference in East Cambridgeshire.”

The e-space centres in Littleport and Ely are designed to help small companies grow and prosper with over 30 firms having out grown the centres since they opened in 2001.

The e-space business centres are serviced offices for any small and growing business looking to rent office space in Ely and Littleport near Cambridge:

* Flexible easy in, easy out leases requiring just one-months notice

* 50 offices across two business centres ranging from 150 to 650 sq ft

* Manned reception, ample parking and secure 24-hour access

* Fast track leases to move in to an office and start doing business within 14 days

* Superfast broadband

To find out more about e-space business centres please call 01353 865300 or visit www.espaceely.com

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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e-space continues to help businesses grow

2013-05-22T09:10:00.002+01:00

An award wining architect has moved into e-space North as the firm looks to grow and develop its business.

Freeman Brear Architects, founded by Judith Brear in 1993, have designed a wide range of buildings from ecclesiastical conversions to factories, hotels to housing estates, schools and urban regeneration.

The business recently occupied a unit at e-space North in Littleport, where they hope to win new business and further expand their business

Judith Brear, said: "As architects we spend our lives looking at how to use space to its maximum potential, seeing how to create places where people can live or work. This can be a fascinating challenge and over the years we have helped many businesses and homeowners develop the perfect place. We have lots of plans to develop our business over the next few months as the economy slowly begins to grow which is why we decided to make the transition from working from home to taking a commercial unit at e-space North. We have had a great time since the move and would recommend the business centre to anyone.
Councillor Tom Kerby, who leads on Economic Development at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "The e-space business centres are great places for start ups and small businesses to set up. They are fully serviced office business centres which have been operating for more than a decade. We currently have a number of units available ranging form 150 to 650 sq ft on flexible monthly leases at competitive prices. So please get in touch if you are looking to take on your first commercial premises."
The e-space centres in Littleport and Ely are designed to help small companies grow and prosper with over 30 firms having out grown the centres since they opened in 2001.
The e-space business centres are serviced offices for any small and growing business looking to rent office space in Ely and Littleport near Cambridge:
* Flexible easy in, easy out leases requiring just one-months notice
* 50 offices across two business centres ranging from 150 to 650 sq ft
* Manned reception, ample parking and secure 24-hour access
* Fast track leases to move in to an office and start doing business within 14 days
* Superfast broadband
These firms have involved a diverse range of industries from web designers, social enterprises and communications/IT businesses including: Addictive Interactive, ST1 Consulting, Ozmo Devices, Asynt, Kore Technology.
To find out more about e-space business centres please call 01353 644 000 or visit www.espaceely.com

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
Connect with Doug on Google+
Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec

New schedule for Cambridge Airport with Darwin Airline

2013-05-20T11:22:00.000+01:00

Cambridge Airport has today announced the opening of a new European airline base as award-winning European regional carrier, Darwin Airline, unveils brand new scheduled services linking Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and Geneva with the UK’s fastest growing economic city.

1# Who will be running the new service to Europe?

The new services will be operated by highly regarded European regional airline Darwin Airline, in code-share partnership with SkyTeam member Alitalia. Flights to Amsterdam, Paris Charles De Gaulle, Milan Malpensa and Geneva will enable travellers from Cambridge and the East England region to reach hundreds of destinations worldwide with connections to the global networks of SkyTeam partners Alitalia and Air France-KLM.

2# When will the new flights from Cambridge Airport Commence?

Commencing from 2 September 2013, Darwin Airline will be offering a total of 50 flights a week to and from Cambridge. This will include a planned timetable of 24 weekly flights to and from Amsterdam; 12 weekly flights to and from Paris CDG (East Anglia’s only air service to the French capital); eight weekly flights to and from Milan Malpensa, and six weekly services to and from Darwin Airline’s main hub at Geneva. All routes will be operated by the airline’s advanced, fast and quiet 50-seat SAAB 2000 regional aircraft and are now available to book at www.darwinairline.com.

Commenting for the Airport Owners Marshall, Steve Jones, managing director of Aviation Services, said, “The opening of this new and exciting base by Darwin Airline is a strategic step in our development of Cambridge as a regional international airport. This puts our city firmly on the international transport map, making it easier for people from around the world to get here. As an established regional carrier in Europe, we feel that Darwin Airline is the perfect partner for Cambridge Airport going forward, offering long term expertise, award-winning service and global connectivity.”

3# Where can i find out more about the new service on offer?

For more information about the flights, Cambridge Airport and Darwin Airline please visit www.cambridgeairport.com or to book visit www.darwinairline.com

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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Business Grants for Growth

2013-05-07T15:56:00.000+01:00

Grants4Growth is a new £8.5m business funding project run in partnership with the Local Enterprise Partnerships for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. It provides: capital grants for SMEs to purchase/install efficient new processes, production facilities and cleantech, helping them to invest-to-grow; revenue grants and other direct assistance to support SMEs to promote products/services such clean technology and renewable energy.

1# What business grants are available?

Capital grants are available for business wanting to…

Invest in technology or processes that facilitate growth, improve resilience or create/ safeguard jobs
Put in place efficiency initiatives in the form of waste, water or energy efficiency, recovery or reduction
Invest in technology and processes to reduce the environmental impact of operations

Revenue grants are available to businesses who are seeking specialist consultancy advice or support and studies that relate to the promotion, marketing or mainstreaming of low carbon and environmental goods and services sector products and services, such as CleanTech or GreenTech.

2# What if any match funding is needed?

Capital grants are available upto a maximum of 28% of the eligible capital spend (upto £6,300), and revenue grants are available upto a maximum of 30% of eligible revenue spend (upto £1,666).

3# Who can I contact to find out more?
You can find out more by talking to Kurt Scheepers – on 01223 967009 or 01733 602009 or via email at kurt.scheepers@yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co.uk

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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Catering unit to rent in Littleport Cambridgeshire

2013-04-30T15:09:00.002+01:00

Calling all budding and active chefs. Have you ever dreamed of owning your own catering business? Are you currently working from home and looking to take on your first commercial kitchen?

e-space business centre has a unique opportunity for anyone looking for a catering unit in Cambridgeshire. The unit offers catering companies both a wider base for any commercial operations and the opportunity to build revenue streams through tenants in the building and the centres thriving conference facilities.

1# How big is the catering unit on offer?

The catering unit on offer at e-space business centre in Cambridgeshire covers 200 sq ft (18 sqm)

2# What kind of trade would be generated from the business centres?

e-space north in Littleport has 34 business units and nearly 100 employees across various companies working in the building. Additionally the centres offer a thriving conference facility that attracts 200 room bookings each year offering prospective catering tenants an income stream from a steady flow of conference users.

3# Where can I find out more about the unit on offer?

If you are interested in finding out more about the catering unit on offer at e-space north in Littleport, Cambridgeshire then please contact the centre manager Elvira Amoraal on tel: 01353 865300 or email: manager@espaceely.com

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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National Three Peaks Challenge

2013-04-29T12:41:00.000+01:00

News reaches us from e-space business centres in Littleport that Wayne Braybrook software programmer for Aldex Software Ltd is about to turn intrepid explorer as he tackles the legendary 'Three Peaks' challenge.

On Friday 24^th May 2013, Wayne along with two other intrepid leaders from the Witchford Scout Group will be driving up to Scotland to take on the biggest challenge of their lives – the National Three Peaks Challenge.

1# What is the National Three Peaks Challenge?

The group will start climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland at 4am on Saturday 25^th May, and won’t stop travelling again until they reach the bottom of Snowdon in Wales at 4am on Sunday 26^th May, with Scafell Pike in the Lake District between the two.

That’s the three highest mountains in the UK…in just 24 hours (including the travelling between the mountains).

2# Who are the team raising money for?

Wayne and the team are doing the challenge to raise much needed funds for their local Scout Group, who as a non-profit organisation rely on donations and volunteers to operate and provide action and adventure to around 70 children and young people in Witchford and the surrounding areas.

3# How can I follow their progress?

The trio will also be attempting (network coverage permitting) to blog and tweet from the sides of the mountains, which will be available online at www.witchfordscouts.co.uk

4# How can we support the team in their challenge?

If you feel you could sponsor the team on this challenge (all amounts gratefully received), please visit their Just Giving portal at www.justgiving.com/witchford3peaks.

Author Bio

Doug Perkins, Business Development Officer, 360 East Cambridgeshire
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Follow 360 East Cambs on Twitter @360ec