Springfield incubator unit

An exciting new venture at Duncan of Jordanstone to help fledgling companies through their first crucial months has now opened for business.

The Springfield incubator has been has been set up by the college to offer flexible and affordable office space plus expert support and guidance to new entrepreneurs - postgraduates, undergraduates or members of staff - who have business ventures they wish to undertake which are linked to DJCAD.

The project is the brainchild of Steve Partridge, associate dean of research & enterprise who worked with Tom Inns, head of the school of design, to win £50,000 of Scottish Enterprise funding for the project. When fully occupied, the refurbished incubator building at 23 Springfield will house six new business ventures. Already in residence is Project Atlantis, a design, research and consultancy unit involving Steve Ellis and Elaine Shemilt from Duncan of Jordanstone and Brigadier David Nicholls. An animation company run by a graduate from the school of television and imaging is soon to set up in the unit.

In addition to providing new ventures moving into Springfield with flexible and affordable office space, a close-at-hand support network is available to new entrepreneurs.

DJCAD's new business development manager, John Gardner, is a key part of this network. Having previously worked for Scottish Enterprise Tayside helping businesses in the creative industries sector, he provides advice to the occupants of Springfield incubator on all aspects of business from funding to marketing.

He said, "An increasing number of potential spin-out opportunities are emerging from the University, reflecting the world class research being undertaken here. Duncan of Jordanstone has recognised this and is keen to develop this activity and support people who want to be entrepreneurial.

"We are not just offering property to let. Operating on the University premises immediately gives more credibility to a new venture; other University staff can offer invaluable skills, while new companies can tap into each others' energy and learn from their experiences. At the same time, the faculty, the University and the city as a whole will benefit since the unit will help to retain some of the best talent in the city instead of seeing it move elsewhere."

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