Ignite, the new name for enterprise in North Essex

Entrepreneurs in Braintree and the surrounding areas are to receive extra support and advice from business advisors following the launch of a brand new enterprise agency.

Supporting local start up businesses

Ignite Business Enterprise Ltd was formed following the merger of Business Development Services Ltd (BDS) and Braintree Enterprise Acorn Units Ltd. BDS has been successfully supporting struggling and start-up businesses in Braintree, Halstead, Witham and Dunmow areas from their office in the Corner House in Braintree for more than 30 years. By providing access to a network of professional business advisors and courses on core business topics such as business planning, basic accounting and marketing, the agency offered guidance on fundamental skills necessary to turn that business idea into a successful business. As a testament to the support BDS provides, 85% of the businesses they support are still trading after 3 years.

Braintree Enterprise Acorn Units Ltd offered 30 purpose built start-up industrial units on Springwood Industrial Estate in Braintree. The fully serviced units offer flexible terms to young businesses and for that reason have proved popular with local entrepreneurs looking to occupy their first business premises.

Accessible advice and guidance

With the merger now complete Ignite Business Enterprise can not only offer accessible advice and guidance from advisors who are successful business people in their own right, it can also offer support to young or established businesses looking to take steps to grow their operation.

Rebecca Mason, Head of Holmes & Hills’ Commercial Team said: “It can be difficult for someone looking to start their own business to know where to turn for advice and guidance. BDS have always been a great source of advice in this regard and I have no doubt that the newly formed Ignite will only strengthen the organisation’s offering.”

Holmes & Hills Solicitors in Braintree has a team of corporate and commercial solicitors offering a wide range of legal advice to start-up businesses.