Accelerator welcomes new business to the Incubator

16th Sept 2008

Business incubators may be the sector set to grow during the current economic downturn, according to Accelerator, London Metropolitan University’s digital media incubator. This was recognised at an event to celebrate the first Global Incubation Day, marking the contribution of incubators to Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development around the world.

Accelerator, part of The London Enterprise Office, which is the entrepreneurial arm of London Met, is based in Shoreditch, at the heart of London's ICT and digital media industry. The team make it their priority to demonstrate the value their incubator can offer SME’s.
Accelerator offers subsidised rent, business links, IT support, internships, access to likeminded communities that foster networking and joint projects. Offices are fully-serviced, with an in-house IT company at hand, the use of kitchens, boardrooms presentation facilities, helpful reception staff and a professional and supportive management team.

Graham Hewson, Project Manager at Accelerator is enthusiastic of the model: ‘Incubators help foster innovation and prepare SME's for sustained growth. It makes it easier for businesses to control costs during the current economic downturn. It is our goal to arm our clients with the skills and entrepreneurial know-how to grow and compete in the digital media market, not only whilst they are with us but after they graduate into their own spaces.’

Ultimate Rugby Sevens (UR7s) is the latest SME to be granted a place on the Accelerator Programme. UR7s is a multimedia and development platform for the sport of rugby sevens worldwide. Aggregating the international rugby sevens community and channeling media from tournaments around the world, UR7s aims to be a promotional vehicle for the game and help raise its profile globally. Set to launch in January, Ultimate Rugby Sevens intends to capitalise on a big year for the sport. In October the International Olympic Committee will decide whether rugby sevens will become part of the Summer Olympics programme.

Tim Lacey, Director, UR7s explains why he chose Accelerator: ‘I developed the UR7s concept and business plan through a US incubator. I took so much value from the incubator’s collaborative and supportive environment that when I discovered Accelerator it seemed like the ideal fit. For me the most valuable aspect is the entrepreneurial community, we are surrounded by a range of other companies at different stages of their development.’