Small Business Saturday 2023: Free parking and business support

To celebrate Small Business Saturday on 2nd December, the Isle of Wight Council is offering free parking in its long stay car parks and spotlighting Island businesses that act as co-working spokes to the Innovation Wight programme hub, Building 41.

Innovation Wight offers a comprehensive support programme designed to enhance the resilience and productivity of businesses on the Isle of Wight. It operates on a ‘Hub and Spokes’ model, with Building 41 as the central hub providing co-working (hot desking), event, and meeting spaces along with a collection of small office suites. All within a single building in Northwood. 

The Building 41 central hub is complemented by outreach centres known as spokes in Ryde (Monkton Arts), Ventnor (The Ventnor Exchange), and Freshwater (The Little Boat). This set up provides widespread access to co-working spaces, business support programmes, and networking opportunities for the Island business community.

There are various options to use the spaces to ensure maximum flexibility; monthly co-working packages for regular use, day passes for occasional use, independent spoke usage, and meeting rooms only. Co-workers have access to a desk, super-fast Wi-Fi, and free tea and coffee.

Speaking of the hub and spokes model, Jenna Sabine of Monkton Arts in Ryde said: “Monkton Arts café has always been available to anyone who needs to sit in a social space to work on a laptop or at a sketchbook in comfort.

"The added support of Innovation Wight has offered networking and professional support for these business owners through the Go for Growth scheme and networking opportunities."

"Business and innovation are the backbone of our community and being part of this network of spokes has brought more security and opportunities to all who use it.”

Stefan Powell of The Little Boat in Freshwater said: “It’s lovely to be able to be a part of Innovation Wight enabling individuals and small groups to separate work and home life and to be able to offer a comfortable and quiet space for people visiting our beautiful Island and the West Wight.”

"A win for local business and the village - two minute by car from Freshwater Bay. Long may it continue”.

Free parking will be in place from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday 2nd December in all off street long-stay car parks.

For further information, see https://innovationwight.co.uk/