Some things you need to know before you apply:

     The BIC is more than a commercial premises and occupancy is always subject to a successful application process

     Primarily, the space is only available to pre-start and start up businesses up to three years old

     The units at the BIC are suitable for normal office based activity and cannot be used for distribution services or storage

     The BIC cannot accommodate businesses that rely on casual visitors and as such are not suitable for retail purposes

     The units are not suitable for housing noisy machinery or equipment

     The BIC operates an exit policy which restricts the length of stay to three years - requests for extensions to this term may be considered at the discretion of the Landlord.

If you have any questions or would like to view the Centre please contact the Business Hub Manager either by emailing jvelden@essex.ac.uk or telephone on 01702 328300.

Selection Criteria

The Centre aims to house pre-start, start-up and growing businesses up to three years old. Ideally, these businesses will work within office, information technology, multimedia, ecommerce or similarly related sectors. Businesses from other sectors are still welcome to apply. Providing the applicant is a start-up and the Centre is suitable for the day to day business activity the University of Essex will consider an application. If you think your business fits within the stated criteria please arrange an appointment to view the available premises at the BIC. If you are not sure, please contact the Business Hub Manager: jvelden@essex.ac.uk to discuss the matter further. 

Tenancy Terms

The BIC operates flexible tenancy agreements that allow businesses to take on premises without entering into long term financial commitments that could hinder their future growth. Tenants are asked to sign one year agreements but there is an easy in, easy out option on both sides and either can submit one months notice at any time. Tenants are issued with new agreements for each year they remain at the BIC up to a maximum of three years and in certain circumstances, requests for extensions to this term may be considered at the discretion of the Landlord. Failure to comply with any part of the tenancy agreement may result in notice being given.  

Joint tenancies/Office sharing

For more information about joint tenancies/office sharing please speak to the Business Hub Manager.

Exit policy

The University of Essex aims to help as many early stage businesses as possible and this means there is a maximum tenancy period of three years available to each business. The stringency of this policy will depend on each individual business and in certain circumstances negotiations can take place. When businesses are coming to the end of their tenancy the Manager will meet with them to discuss any issues and provide assistance wherever possible.

Downloads:
Application Guide (PDF - 534Kb) 

 
[Business Hub Homepage]