What is Enterprise@Lincoln?

Enterprise@Lincoln is home to some of Lincoln's most creative businesses and is the base of the University's Opportunities service, Employer Engagement and Knowledge Exchange teams.

The new Lincoln landmark is the gateway between the University and the local business community. Enterprise@Lincoln is much more than just office space; it offers business development and practical support and guidance to both new and established businesses.

Opportunities

The Opportunities Service is a gateway to our student and graduate talent, giving businesses a direct route to the student community. We advertise and support you with your recruitment needs free of charge. The service is primarily concerned with enhancing the employability of our students and graduates whilst also working to increase the number of opportunities available to them.

A wide range of support is available for businesses as well as opportunities to get involved with the service to suit even the most time constrained business.

Businesses already engaged offer advice and guidance on everything from preparing CVs to moving into employment whilst at the same time getting their message across to future potential employees.

Our schemes are designed to help raise business profile with our student community. From being a fully fledged mentor, attending regular campus events and workshops to taking advantage of our expert student/graduate recruitment consultations, we can provide you with a tailored solution that fits the current and future needs of your business.

The benefits for you and our students are clear. The more businesses we engage the more potential jobs will be available to our best and most talented students whilst giving you an easy and risk free way to find new people and ideas to help your business grow.

For further information contact Opportunities on 01522 837 828.

Employer Engagement

Locating at the University of Lincoln has advantages. Employer engagement is at the heart of the University's mission and it is home to a wealth of expertise, facilities and talent of relevance to business.

Universities generate know-how and Lincoln's recognises the importance of ensuring it finds useful application in business, the economy and society. Whether you are from a local small business or a global multi-national, working in the public, the private or the third sector, a conversation with the University's employer engagement team is without obligation and free of charge.

Potential partnerships can range from a simple student project or finding a talented recruit, to long-term collaborative research and technical consultancy. Call us on 0800 915 5278, email enterprise@lincoln.ac.uk or visit our website www.lincoln.ac.uk/businessservices.

Sparkhouse

Sparkhouse is a successful incubation centre for fledgling media and creative companies which has been accredited by UKBI's Inspire program. We provide an environment that gives new businesses access to specialist support services, knowledge and facilities.

The development of Sparkhouse Studios, as the first physical incubator to be established by the University of Lincoln, provides the focus of a dynamic environment in which young start-up businesses can be concentrated, nurtured and grown during the time they are most vulnerable. Its location on the Brayford Campus enables the tenants within the centre to draw on and benefit from the resources available within the University. The centre is part of the East Midlands Development Agency's (emda) cluster strategy, targeted at the creative industries (and more specifically the media sector).

Our unique incubation service offers:

Stepped rental package Business planning advice Mentoring Finance services Access to specialist support Training / seminars / workshops Networking opportunities Access to a network of external business support.

For more information please follow this link Sparkhouse.

Deviate

Deviate is the University of Lincoln’s enterprise and entrepreneurship society. Throughout term time events are run on a fortnightly basis to help students and graduates learn about business and some of the benefits of self employment.

The tuition, provided by professionals from industry, takes the form of hands-on workshops that give the attendees a chance to put into practice some of the theories they are being taught. Alongside this, monthly social events offer an opportunity for students and graduates to network with local businesses.

Aiming to be a fun and enjoyable way for students to prepare for the working world after university finishes, whether or not they choose the route of self-employment, the society presents an opportunity to meet friends, business contacts and become more employable.

To view further information on Deviate please follow this link Deviate

The history of Enterprise@Lincoln

The University of Lincoln has an established reputation of producing high calibre creative industry graduates and working with the media and creative arts sectors. As a result of the limited job opportunities in these sectors in the Lincoln area, the University, in consultation with local partners, developed plans in 2002 to establish an incubation centre designed to support and encourage new business start-ups within these sectors. Although focusing on the University's own graduates applications are welcomed from all prospective businesses.

Sparkhouse provides a dynamic environment and community in which new businesses are supported in the difficult early stages. The centre is an unique building standing on the edge of the Brayford Campus.

The majority of the campus is built on land originally utilised as railway marshalling yards. Sparkhouse took advantage of this by restoring an original early 20th century building in 2002 to provide space for an initial six businesses. Completed in 2003 (by the addition of a new build extension) the centre provides space for 18 businesses and a range of associated facilities. The businesses contained within the centre contribute to and strengthen the local, regional and national economy.

By the end of 2003 Sparkhouse had been recognised and accredited as a 'Best Practice' incubator by UK Business Incubation and in addition came runner up in their national 'Best Newcomer' awards. It is through these strong foundations that Sparkhouse Studios has grown to become a significant catalyst for business start-up and knowledge transfer activity in the region.

BrandFour Design Agency

It's great having modern, innovative facilities and services at your fingertips. The service is very proactive and has opened up a number of new opportunities.