A business hub for entrepreneurs, creative makers and small enterprises had its official launch last night in Wood Green.

Wood Green Works combines flexible and affordable workspaces, co-working, training rooms and creative spaces ideal for local entrepreneurs and start-up companies, as well as access to finance, business advice and masterclasses from Nwes – the country’s largest enterprise agency.

Last night Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Regeneration, Cllr Charles Adje, launched the hub, with Debbie Jackson, Assistant Director of Regeneration at the Greater London Authority. The event was attended by local businesses and community stakeholders.

Cllr Adje said:

There’s a wealth of talent here in Haringey, and Wood Green Works is an innovative way of offering entrepreneurs and small businesses valuable space and support. We are committed to driving employment up and providing people with opportunities that can help them thrive in our borough. I’m thrilled to be able to officially open Wood Green Works and send out a clear signal that Haringey is a place where individuals, start-ups and small enterprises can really develop and grow.

Earlier in the day there was an open day, with a ‘how to start your own business’ masterclass, Lego serious play drop in session (using Lego to explore the opportunities and challenges of starting and running a business in Wood Green), networking opportunities and presentations.

Wood Green Works is based on two floors of unused council offices at 40 Cumberland Road, with local resident Vivian Obiji as Centre Manager. Vivian worked with the council’s Haringey Employment and Skills Team, which helps residents develop the skills and confidence necessary to find the right job for them.

Funded by Haringey Council and the Mayor of London through the London Regeneration Fund, Wood Green Works is the latest meanwhile project in the area. It follows the successful launches of The Green Rooms arts hotel and creative hub Blue House Yard.

London’s Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said:

We’re proud to support Wood Green Works and it’s great to see it officially open for business. This project is an innovative use of a temporary site, which has transformed an existing building to provide much-needed affordable space for start-ups and small enterprises.”