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Terms and Conditions

Your use of this website is subject to the following terms and conditions, which you are deemed to accept each time you use the website.

"We" means Sparkhouse, and "our" shall be construed accordingly. "You" means the person, firm, company or organisation browsing and/or using the sparkhouselincoln.co.uk website, and "your" shall be construed accordingly.

Whilst we try to ensure that the standard of this website remains high and to maintain the continuity of it, the internet is not an inherently stable medium, and errors, omissions, interruptions of service and delays may occur at any time. We do not accept any liability arising from any such errors, omissions, interruptions or delays or any ongoing obligation or responsibility to operate this website (or any particular part of it) or to provide the service offered on this website. We may vary the specification of this site from time to time without notice.

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how Sparkhouse uses and protects any information that you give when you use this website.

Sparkhouse is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

Sparkhouse may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from August 2012.

We may collect the following information:

  • name
  • contact information including phone number and email address

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

  • Internal record keeping.
  • We may use the information to improve our products and services.
  • We may periodically send promotional email about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.

From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual.

The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.

Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

Whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us at sparkhouse@lincoln.ac.uk

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so.

We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.

You may request details of personal information which we hold about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. A small fee will be payable.

If you would like a copy of the information held on you please write to us at Sparkhouse Studios, Ropewalk, Lincoln LN6 7DQ

Growing your Business

Sparkhouse aims to provide new and expanding businesses with the environment they need to succeed and grow through access to workshops, invaluable guidance and networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and experts in the field.

Start Up Funding

Funding your business can be daunting but Sparkhouse can offer support with developing your business plan and financial forecast. These are vital to secure funding from banks, angel networks or investors. Sparkhouse also offers a range of workshops that outline what investors/banks are looking for.

Business Mentoring

One of Sparkhouse’s most valuable assets is its mentoring service; available to all tenants as part of the support service package.

Our mentors are experienced professionals from the region who will share their in-depth knowledge and real-life experience in an industry sector that is relevant to your business.

Available as needed throughout your tenancy, our mentors are will be an invaluable source of support and guidance as your business develops.

Planning Your Business

A business plan is an essential way to organise both your finances and your activity most effectively. It not only helps you identify your targets and goals, but it also crystallises your ideas into a set of achievable milestones.

Writing a business plan can be a daunting task, but we can assist you and give you support and guidance about what the possibilities are for your new business.

For more help, contact us and our team will be happy to help.

Starting a Business

The first steps on your journey in business are some of the hardest, but also some of the most exciting.

Knowing the right direction to take, making the right contacts and investing time and money in the right places – the considerations can seem overwhelming at times. At this stage of business it is essential to surround yourself with the right people in a creative and inspiring environment.

To apply for our start up services we require a business plan and a first year financial forecast. You will then be asked to present and discuss them with our selection panel. From that point we’ll be able to help and support you to develop your business further. 

Business Incubation

Post & Reception Services

Know your business is in safe hands with our professional reception service to greet your visitors, answer your telephone in your company name and receive and distribute your post for you.

Testimonials

Sparkhouse and the support from the business incubation team at the University has been paramount to our company from early development to its current stage of scaling. We first joined the Sparkhouse space as two recent graduates from Lincoln with ambitious ideas to make the next high street app but lacking support and guidance. After a few months being able to develop our company and ourselves further and with the support and mentoring provided here, we pivoted to form a much better business proposition with viability within the market. We are now raising investment to grow and scale our company and taking on our Sparkhouse mentor on-board as a non-executive director to focus on strategy and growth. Sparkhouse has provided a place for us to grow from ideas in the air to a solid growing business.

Will De Ath - Everfund

 

 

I chose Sparkhouse because absolutely everybody at the centre is lovely, from the reception staff through to the catering team, everybody makes you feel both valued and welcome. The team at Sparkhouse have been incredibly helpful in helping me with the application process, from giving me advice with the application, through to putting me in touch with third party advisors that helped me with both a formal business plan and with a grant application. Thank you to everyone at Sparkhouse for helping me, I can't wait to get started.

Thomas Atkins - The Identity Agency

Directory

Apply Now

To apply to Sparkhouse you need to follow a few easy steps:

  1. Get in touch
  2. Consultation
  3. Presentation of business plan
  4. Begin developing your business

Firstly, get in touch with the Sparkhouse team and request an application pack.

Email us at sparkhouse@lincoln.ac.uk or phone us on 01522 837 200

The next step is to join us for an informal meeting with Sarah, Enterprise Coordinator, to discuss your plans and have a tour of the centre. We can advise you on how to go about creating your business plan and financial forecast, which will help prepare you for the next step.

Join Us

Sparkhouse is designed to give the space and support you need to fuel the future of your business…

Join us to launch your business and become part of an energised community and culture of creativity. Home to over 84 tech, digital and creative businesses, Sparkhouse has established itself as Lincoln's hub for innovation.

As well as enjoying low rent from just £99.00 + VAT, you'll gain access to an impressive range of benefits, including meeting room space, peer-to-peer support and networking opportunities. More details can be found here

Café

Our café area is a busy, modern hub that provides an excellent location for informal meetings, relaxed co-working and grabbing your morning coffee. With ample seating and plug sockets available, it is a great place to meet and impress your clients and colleagues. 

Virtual Office Services

At Sparkhouse we love to help businesses who do not require physical office space but wish to convey a professional image to clients via our virtual office service. This option also allows them to benefit from our central city location, even when based further afield.

We offer various packages, starting from £15.00 + VAT per month, which include the use of Sparkhouse as a registered business and postal address, having access to the meeting rooms and café, as well as benefiting from our reception and telephone answering services. Our virtual tenants also become a part of our business community, with invitations to our events, presence on our website and access to networking opportunities with other Sparkhouse businesses. 

Please contact us for more information and pricing.

Meeting Rooms

Our meeting rooms are perfect for client meetings, presentations, workshops and seminars, and are free to tenants when booked via reception. 

The bright and spacious rooms can accommodate up to 25 boardroom style or 50 theatre style and are fully air-conditioned. Each is equipped with full audio visual and wireless facilities. 

We are always happy to assist with any catering requirements you may have, which can be provided by our in-house café at an additional charge.

Managed Office Space

Our modern office spaces range from 13sqm to 57sqm and are accessible 24 hours a day. Along with competive rent, you'll benefit from our city centre location with glorious views of Lincoln Cathedral, as well as close connections with the University of Lincoln and its dedicated Enterprise Team. 

With spaces starting from £99.00 + VAT per month, your business enjoys a fantastic head-start without fiancial burden. 

Facilities

Sparkhouse is an inspirational place that equips your business with the state-of-the-art resources it needs to grow.

The following facilities and benefits are available to all Sparkhouse tenants as part of the inclusive rental package:

What we Offer

University of Lincoln

The University of Lincoln is one of the fastest rising universities in the UK and was recently ranked 17th in the Guardian's University Guide 2020.

Our unique building stands on the edge of the Brayford Pool Campus and a strong relationship with the University is key to the successful delivery of our services. Employer engagement is at the heart of the University's mission to become a 'Civic University' and our partnership offers access to a wealth of expertise, facilities and talent from the most promising students and skilled university staff.

Whether you are from a local small business or a global multinational, working in the public, private or third sector, a conversation with the university is without obligation and free of charge.

Collaboration opportunities between Sparkhouse businesses and the University are wide-ranging. If you're seeking a talented new recruit, requiring specialist consultancy assistance, or looking to set up long-term research partnerships, we can facilitate your business solution.

Events

We organise a range of events throughout the year, covering a wide variety of subjects. Our tenant-only 'IGNITE' series of events is something we offer to increase the value for our tenants, IGNITE events open up opportunities for our tenants to learn from experts, practice new skills and network with other innovative businesses. We are also proud to partner with local suppliers and caterers to provide lunches for our events, and we are always looking for feedback on how to improve what we offer!

As well as our own events programme, Sparkhouse tenants receive regular invitations to other networking opportunities and skills workshops.

Meet the Team

About Us

Sparkhouse was established in 2003 with the aim of providing creative and innovative startups with the facilities and support they need to launch and grow into sustainable businesses. We have since gone on to support over 1000 businesses and create over 1200 new jobs. 

Sparkhouse is perfect for start-ups, the mentoring and support on offer has been key to our success as an agency

- Thomas Atkins, Identity Agency

The building itself has a number of visible sustainable design features including a Sedum ‘Green’ roof, incorporating wind cowls, photovoltaic panels and overhanging pods that provide solar shading to the south-facing façades. All materials used in its construction are sustainably sourced, while the building has been designed to be fully recyclable.

Exterior photo of Sparkhouse

 

One of the best things about Sparkhouse is the community. Sparkhouse has helped me build friendships with fellow business owners, whilst also leading me to meet new clients through their IGNITE networking events.   

- Edgar Ryzhkov, Dela Ltd

Whether you are looking for a modern office space, a buzzing business community, exclusive tenant-only events, an on-site cafe and more... we have have the facilities, setting and support you need to fuel your future.

Contact us for more information.

Contact

Telephone: 01522 837 200
Fax: 01522 837 201
Send an email

Opening hours Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 4:30-pm and Friday 8.30am - 4pm

For more information on locating us on the University of Lincoln campus and parking, click here.

Our Tenants

Sparkhouse is home to a diverse range of businesses which include creative, innovative, tech and digital businesses.

View our business community by clicking on their logo below.