The Careers & Enterprise Hub, which is run by specialist advisors from Loughborough College and Loughborough University, is celebrating its first anniversary.
The Loughborough College-operated Careers office of the Hub, which opened on 20th May 2021 thanks to £750,000 funding from the Loughborough Town Deal, has supported nearly 500 people and helped nearly 100 people land full-time or part-time jobs or get into education or training.
Meanwhile, Loughborough University’s Enterprise office, on the building's first floor, has supported 44 new businesses with advice, training and access to resources.
The Hub has also been used to host activities, events and careers events to support people and new businesses. The one-year anniversary comes as Loughborough Town Deal confirms a further £150,000 investment into the hub.
Jo Maher, Principal & CEO at Loughborough College, said: “To have supported so many people since we opened the Careers and Enterprise Hub is fantastic and to see so many people finding employment or training opportunities highlights the difference it is making.
“We’re so proud and privileged to be able to use our expertise and connections to unlock the potential and career aspirations of local people in our community. It is also an outstanding example of how effective the partnership is between us and Loughborough University, Charnwood Borough Council and with our MP Jane Hunt.”
Loughborough University’s Professor Chris Rielly said: “The Hub is equipping business start-ups from inside and outside the university with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed.”
The Town Deal Board is co-chaired by Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Chairman of Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals.
Cllr Morgan said: “It is great to see the hub has been in operation for a year now and how it has helped so many young people plan their careers and support new businesses as they get off the ground.”
Dr Kotecha said: “Loughborough Town Deal has always been about investing in the future of the town and that includes its local people. The hub’s first anniversary is a great time to reflect on the impact it is already having. I would like to thank Loughborough College and Loughborough University for all the support and expertise they are providing for local people through the hub.”
Loughborough Town Deal is backing projects to boost skills, improve the town centre, reduce flooding, regenerate the riverside, develop a creative hub and support local attractions.
It recently announced £2.6m funding for Loughborough College to create a Digital Skills Hub to help local people enhance their digital skills.
For more information about the Careers and Enterprise Hub, visit: https://www.loucoll.ac.uk/careers-hub/
For more on the Loughborough Town Deal, visit: www.loughboroughtowndeal.co.uk