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Slough Enterprise Gateway Commended in UK Business Incubation Awards
07th December 2005
 UK Business Incubation (UKBI), the leading body for business incubators has awarded Slough Enterprise Gateway the runner-up place in the prestigious and hotly contested 'Newcomer of the Year' Award at its 7th International Conference.
The Award is bestowed on incubators in the first two years of operation, who can demonstrate excellence in providing support for start-up or early stage businesses.
Business Incubation is a process of hands-on, intensive support for businesses, helping them to navigate through the first years of existence through providing advice and assistance on the many hurdles and stumbling blocks that businesses face.
Each year, UKBI's membership apply for a number of awards, designed to celebrate the successes of its members in supporting the next generations of world class businesses.
Slough Enterprise Gateway was the runner-up in a close run battle between a number of centres. The winning company was the Newhaven Enterprise Gateway, which is part of the same network as Slough, an incubation initiative developed jointly by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and region's Business Links.
Slough Enterprise Gateway is run by Director, Ms Nina Sian. The Enterprise Gateway network differentiates itself from many traditional incubators or science parks which offer space and advice to high technology, high growth companies, through its services and its target market. The Enterprise Gateways offer support to all start-up companies, and add strength and value to services by working with local partners such as Business Links and Enterprise Agencies.
The Slough Enterprise Gateway offers support to a wide range of underrepresented groups including: ethnic minorities, over 50s, social enterprises and ex-offenders but are particularly proud of the high quality support that they provide for women who are thinking about starting or have recently started a business.
Nina Sian, Slough Enterprise Gateway, was thrilled that the achievements of the centre was recognised by the UKBI and said: "I am extremely proud of the achievements of the Slough Enterprise Gateway in promoting enterprise in Slough and the surrounding area. Our success is due to the combination of putting our clients needs first; providing a flexible and adaptable service; supporting disadvantaged groups and thereby releasing their potential; giving free long-term incubation support; and access to a business and support network. The Gateway champions local services and with public and private organisations."
The Awards Ceremony took place at the annual UKBI International Conference held in Sheffield 28th November. The Conference attracted over 350 delegates from all four corners of the globe to discuss and share best practice in business incubation development and delivery.
 The Newcomer Award was one of four presented on the evening; Incubation Environment of the Year (High Growth Start-Up Unit, Scottish Enterprise), Champion of the Year (Rotherham Investment Development Office), Incubatee of the Year (Martek Marine, RiDO) and Newcomer of the Year. Winner of the Newcomer of the Year category was the Newhaven Enterprise Gateway.
Enterprise Gateway Directors, Nina Sian (Slough Enterprise Gateway) and Jon Yon (Newhaven Enterprise Gateway) both recognised in the UK Business Incubation Awards 2005 'Best Newcomer' category
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