Designers, architects and manufacturers have learned how 3D equipment can help them grow their business at the opening of the fifth Lincolnshire Technology Hub in Horncastle.

Launched today (Thursday 27^th March) at  Mortons Media Group in Horncastle, the hub gives businesses the chance to use 3D printers, 3D colour scanners and a laser cutter, as well as access one-to-one business support and advice.

The launch party, which saw more than 50 people attend, featured demonstrations of all the equipment, gave people a chance to try it for themselves and explained more about the free business support and expert advice available.

Councillor Colin Davie from Lincolnshire County Council officially opened the hub. He said: “The launch of the Horncastle Technology Hub marks the culmination of a lot of hard work to bring cutting-edge equipment to Lincolnshire businesses.

“The hub will benefit all sectors from designers, manufacturers and food production companies to architects and those working in the heritage sector. Businesses in the town and the surrounding area have already been given a taste of what the hub will offer following a demonstration event in September last year.

“Mortons is an ideal partner for us to work with on this latest hub as it is a well established business and has a great space we can utilise. We hope to see as many people as possible making use of the hub.”

The onlincolnshire project successfully launched three hubs in 2013: Mablethorpe in May, Boston in October and Louth in November. A hub based at the University of Lincoln was opened in February this year.

The hubs are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  All of the equipment purchased through the onlincolnshire project, which varies from hub to hub, can be borrowed and used for free by eligible businesses, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used.

The Chairman of Mortons Media Group, Ian Fisher, said: “We’ve been busy preparing for the launch of the new Technology Hub.

“This is an exciting development for us and for Horncastle, and we’ve already had plenty of businesses getting in touch wanting to know when this resource will become available.  We’ve got a dedicated team member in place already to help businesses get a better understanding of the digital technologies available and the opportunities they present.”

The Horncastle Hub will be open for drop-in sessions every Thursday between 9am and 5pm. Businesses interested in using the hub at other times can book an appointment by calling 01507 529345 or emailing technologyhub@mortons.co.uk. Follow @onlincolnshire on Twitter, #Horncastlehub or visit www.facebook.com/onlincolnshire to stay up to date with developments.

 Find out more about the business support available by emailing onlincolnshire@lincs-chamber.co.uk or calling 0300 80 80 120.

Ends

Notes to Editors:
About onlincolnshire:
•    onlincolnshire is a Lincolnshire County Council-run project which is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.
•    In March 2013, the council signed a £48 million contract with BT to provide superfast broadband to at least 88% of county properties by 2016, with the remaining properties having access to at least of 2Mbps broadband.
•    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.
•    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
•    Some internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 12Mbps, according to Ofcom.

For further information about the hub launch, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
cerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk
01522 528540/ 07985 143990
@CerriDelaney
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