Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway

ABOUT

Oxford Innovation manage ICKG on behalf of the University of Essex. Our onsite team comprises an Innovation Director (business innovation and growth support and overall management of the centre), Assistant Centre Manager and Customer Experience Assistants. This team is supported by OI’s Central Team, providing advice and guidance on statutory and regulatory matters (H&S, compliance, accounts, money laundering etc).

Free Business Support & Expertise

It’s a challenge running any business, especially during times of uncertainty or when you’re just starting out. That’s why we offer a completely free package of business support to each and every customer, to help you with everything you need to succeed.

One-to-one business support

Connect with external experts and potential clients

Access to support programmes

Virtual and in-person business masterclasses

Networking opportunities

Support is provided to our customers via an array of mechanisms. Our onsite Innovation Director provided 1:1 and 1:many support via diagnostics (utilising GrowthMapper), needs analysis (business and innovation), partner matching and collaboration opportunities between centre customers and by plugging into the centre’s ecosystem, comprising external support from University of Essex, EEN, IUK, KTN, TechEast, Amazon Wed Services and DIT.

Private Office Space

Everything you’d expect from a fully-serviced office, available in a range of sizes to suit your business as it flexes and grows. A place where you want your company to be and place where you want your clients to see.

A dedicated customer experience/reception service

Access to free on-site business support

Mail and call-handling services

Free high speed Wi-FI

Access to kitchen with free tea and coffee making facilities

Access to coworking spaces

Free access to events held at the centre

Discount on meeting room rates

On-site car parking*

*Subject to license and availability

Dedicated Desks

If it’s just you, but you want a permanent working space outside your home in the company of similar-thinking individuals.

From £200 per month you will get:

Your own personal station in a shared space

Secure pedestal for securing your business valuables

Free Wi-Fi, use of copier, printer and scanner

Inclusive on-site business support

Access to kitchen with free tea and coffee making facilities

Discount on meeting room rates

Free access to all events held in the centre

Coworking Space

If you don’t need a permanent desk but want the option of using our COVID-secure facilities.

From £125 per month you will get:

Choice of tables and chairs in our shared co-working space

Free Wi-Fi, use of copier, printer and scanner

Free access to all business support and social events held in the centre

A place to meet clients and network with local business experts

Virtual Offices

If you want the professional image but don’t need a physical space to work.

From £55 per month you will get:

Prestigious company address

Mail forwarding

Call handling

Access to free on-site business support

Discounted meeting room hire

Sector focus and community profile

ICKG is at the heart of the growing ‘innovation and tech’ cluster in Essex. Collocated with Essex StartUps, it is based at the Knowledge Gateway research and technology park, on the University of Essex campus in Colchester – an official University Enterprise Zone designated by the Government as a centre for nurturing and supporting new digital and creative businesses.

 This means that Innovation Centre customers can benefit from short and long-term support from students and academics, as well access to cutting-edge research, equipment, expertise and facilities.