A pioneering centre to support more entrepreneurial women to start up and grow their own businesses has opened its doors in North Lanarkshire.
The HIVE offers desks, offices and meeting rooms, treatment rooms, on-site business advice and support, and events and networking opportunities.
We are the first local authority in Scotland to offer a dedicated workspace for female-led, start-up businesses.
Use of the workspace is free until August 2024 and then on a subsidised basis until 31 March 2025. Space is available to book seven days per week (*8am to 9pm) to suit the needs of women with caring and other commitments.
“The HIVE is a unique space designed to cultivate a strong community where women can connect, collaborate and empower each other to develop and excel in business,” said Depute Leader, Councillor Louise Roarty.
“In North Lanarkshire only 2.2% of women are self-employed compared to 9% of men. We want to change that by providing the environment and support to enable more women to use their skills and talents to start up and grow successful businesses.
“In my own experience setting up a business, a facility like The HIVE would have been invaluable.”
The HIVE is located at One Wellwynd in Airdrie. Anyone interested in visiting The HIVE can book a free tour on: Saturday 10 February at 12:30pm; Tuesday 13 February at 9:30am; Monday 19 February at 3pm; or Thursday 29 February at 3pm. Details are available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/hive or on Facebook at The HIVE.
The new centre was officially opened on 2 February with an event attended by aspiring and existing businesswomen, elected members and partner organisations. Claire Greenaway, founder of facilities maintenance company, MGB Services Ltd in Airdrie, shared her business start-up experience, highlighting the challenges women face and the difference a space like The HIVE would have made to her journey.
Lynne Cadenhead, Chair of Women’s Enterprise Scotland commented: “We are delighted to have supported North Lanarkshire Council in bringing the vision for The HIVE to fruition. As a first in Scotland, it is truly pioneering and we hope that the services provided will help women from across the region to fulfil their aspirations of starting and growing sustainable businesses.
“Research consistently shows that women face numerous additional barriers to becoming successful business owners and the tailored, wrap around support on offer at The Hive will be crucial in helping women in North Lanarkshire to realise their ambitions.”
This project is supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Scottish Government Pathways Pre-Start Fund.
The council will work with delivery partner Inspirent to develop services at The HIVE and provide wraparound business support. This includes advice and guidance from Business Gateway Lanarkshire as well as access to a wide range of support from North Lanarkshire Council and its partners.
*Use of the space outside of core operating hours may be available upon request.