Lift Off for Boston Technology Hub

News release

30th October 2013

Businesses in Boston can now take advantage of cutting-edge digital equipment free of charge thanks to onlincolnshire.

The new Boston Technology Hub at Boston College is offering free use of a desktop 3D printer, a hand-held colour 3D scanner and a high-precision laser cutter and engraver, all of which were available to test-drive at the launch event today.

The hub, one of five to be launched by the Lincolnshire County Council-run project, will give people the chance to learn more about emerging technologies, test out equipment before making a purchase, access workshops and network.

The launch today (Wednesday 30th October) coincided with Boston College’s Technology Showcase event, which was held at the newly-opened £1.6 million Enterprise Zone where the hub will be based.

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We are very pleased to officially open the second of our Technology Hubs to the public.

“We believe that offering these resources free of charge will open up doors for them to grow their business by giving local employers the chance to get ‘hands on’ with some of the very latest technology. We hope to see as many people in the local community take advantage of the hub and the wider services on offer at the Enterprise Zone.”

The College will run sessions showing people how to use the equipment every other Wednesday between 1pm and 4pm, with the first one on Wednesday 13th October. Businesses looking for support on using the equipment should take advantage of those sessions.

The hub is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The Technology Showcase featured a combination of displays, machinery and short seminars for visitors and students to see how technology and engineering underpins the success of business across a range of sectors.

People attending the event got an up-close look at a range of machinery, watched video demonstrations and attended short seminars. Exhibitors included BAE Systems, Burdens, Turners Distribution, GB Security Group, Rolec Services, Sports Bike Shop, QV Foods and Duncan & Toplis.

George Bell, Employer Engagement Manager at the College, said: “It has been a pleasure to host the launch of Boston’s Technology Hub and we’re really pleased our students have been able to see first-hand the impact new technology has had in local industries such as logistics and agriculture and the careers available in local dynamic businesses.

“We hope today’s Technology Showcase will raise student aspirations and encourage local business to engage with our teaching to ensure our students are learning the skills of the future workforce.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

About onlincolnshire

• onlincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council initiative to help prepare people for superfast broadband when it arrives.
• The Technology Hubs are being launched to demonstrate the benefits digital technology can offer.
• The onlincolnshire project has successfully launched one hub in Mablethorpe already and plans to open a further two hubs before the end of the year, and one in the New Year.
• All of the equipment available through the hubs can be borrowed and used for free, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used.
• onlincolnshire is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013
• Some Internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 7.6 Mbps, according to Ofcom.
• The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf
• The contract with BT concentrates on an intervention area of over 150,000 premises where existing or planned commercial roll outs would not deliver superfast speeds. This will mean that at least 94% of all premises should have access to fibre broadband by April 2016.

About Boston College

• The Enterprise Zone is a £1.6 million entrepreneurial incubator providing support to students wishing to run their own business, providing them with skills workshops and opportunities to network with local businesses.  
• To find out more about the Enterprise Zone, please contact Karen Pearson on 01205 365701 or email enterprise@boston.ac.uk. Karen is the Enterprise Development Manager at Boston College.

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
07985 143990
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @CerriDelaney

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