Social enterprise The Women’s Organisation says ‘incubator’ space has opened up at its Liverpool headquarters that is ideal for start-up and fledgling enterprises. Tony McDonough reports

Start-up businesses and fledgling enterprises have an opportunity to take space at one of Liverpool’s most successful incubators.

54 St James Street is home to the award-winning social enterprise, The Women’s organisation. In 2011 it created an “inspiring and collaborative environment” designed to support early-stage businesses.

Organisations operating from the building are also able to make full use of the support and mentoring expertise that The Women’s Organisation has accrued over more than 25 years.

The Women’s Organisation delivers a range of courses and programmes for people in Liverpool city region. They are aimed at people entering or re-entering the workplace, looking for career or personal development or starting and scaling a business.

It has helped to start and grow in excess of 4,000 businesses since it was established in 1996. Now it has space available for fledgling entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of this positive environment.

Digital agency Matchstick Creative established a presence at 54 St James Street in 2018. The site was ideal for the enterprise as founder Ruth Hartnol and co-director Greg Macoy embarked on their path to expansion.

Its rapid growth since then means the business has now left to seek a new home for its expanding team. This has opened up an ideal space for entrepreneurs looking to make that next step.

They can join what is now a hotbed of burgeoning businesses, ranging from events management, through to accounting, counselling, cleaning services, and IT and cloud-based tech support firms, all at various stages of growth.

Matchstick occupied one large, and one small office. It said the site’s service offer – such as separate working spaces and meeting rooms – was perfect for inviting clients in for pitches as well as hosting workshops and presentations.

Additional services such as reception staff and front desk facilities, were also a huge benefit for the business. Greg said such services gave tenants peace of mind that they had a professional image and could call on additional support if they didn’t have the necessary resources.

Also on the move at 54, although relocating internally, are two other tenants. Greyside Planning has been resident in 54 since 2020, but needs to expand to a bigger office. And The Psychological Therapies Unit has consolidated its business from four to three offices in the building, leaving one of its units available.

The Baltic Triangle facility, which opened its doors to SMEs in 2011, has honed its offer to cater for everything a growing business would require, including modern office space. These include meeting spaces, a conferencing and events area, and virtual office facilities, from a prestigious central Liverpool postcode.

Facilities manager at 54 St James Street, Sandra Sipaviciute, said: “It’s an exciting time for us at 54. The building is bouncy and buzzing again, which is super to see after all the uncertainty the pandemic presented.

“There’s a real feeling of cohesion here too, tenants old and new are getting to know one another again and this is something we’d like to encourage with planned socials and events at the building. 54 St James Street is a really special place to work and I’m looking forward to welcoming new people and businesses to the fold.”

For information on available office space at 54 St James Street email venue@thewo.org.uk