A RENOWNED local entrepreneur has joined the highly successful Ely Business Hub keen to support and develop local businesses. Soames Springthorpe, founding partner of Stadia Sports International Ltd, is joining the innovative public/ private sector partne

A RENOWNED local entrepreneur has joined the highly successful Ely Business Hub keen to support and develop local businesses.

Soames Springthorpe, founding partner of Stadia Sports International Ltd, is joining the innovative public/ private sector partnership, looking to help start up businesses in East Cambridgeshire succeed and grow.

The Ely Business Hub, the brainchild of East Cambridgeshire District Council, 'serial entrepreneur' Peter Dawe and Simon Crosland from Business Link East, has already helped over 50 people develop their business ideas.

Soames is particularly interested in working with start up businesses or SME's looking for the right partner to help grow and develop their business to the next level. As a private sector enterprise champion with the Hub he brings an extensive background in business development, sales and marketing.

Councillor Ron Bradney, Lead Member for economic development at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "The Ely Business Hub has had a good start since it launched last summer, helping a number of people develop their ideas into real businesses. We are proud to have made such an impact in a relatively short time and it is a sign of our profile that someone of Soames' record wants to join the Hub. Hopefully with more experience and business know-how on board things can only get better for East Cambridgeshire businesses."

Soames Springthorpe, said: "As a local man, I know there are some great business ideas in the district which can be developed. I have gained a lot of experience during my career in sales and marketing, which could be of real use to either a company growing out of someone's home/office or to an existing business that feels it has stagnated. When I learned about the Ely Business Hub, I knew instinctively that this was a great chance to help others and I can't wait to get started."

As well as one to one business advice, use of free office space in Ely and access to the region's leading start up champions, The Hub has created a business network for new companies to talk through ideas, access the latest information and give real support.

If you have a business idea or have just started in business and would like more information on how the Ely Business Hub could help you please call 01353 644144 or log on to www.espaceely.com/main/ely-business-hub.