• 3 centres in north Nottinghamshire

• Public sector outsourcing risk to private sector

• Public sector benefitting from economies of scale

All 3 of our Nottinghamshire centres had been operated by independent organisations for a number of years, with varying success. A Strategic Vision was established by the partners, which set out clearly their requirement from the new operator: 

• Enhancing economic development
• Raising standards
• Delivering cost savings
• Maximising staff potential
• Communicating more effectively
• Protecting the environment

Previously Worksop Turbine was operated by the County Council, which in the current climate of reduced public funding, provided an unacceptable financial risk to the Authority should any losses have occurred. By jointly outsourcing all 3 contracts to a single operator, not only were they able to benefit from enhanced expertise in managing Innovation Centres and improved business support provision but also they are looking to find economies of scale improving financial performance.

Within the first 3 months of the contract Oxford Innovation undertook an audit of all the centres, talking to the existing customers about their needs, the buildings and the services provided. From this we have identified a number of key priorities for improving the overall offer. What's more, through offering enhanced business support services, our dedicated Innovation Advisor is already working with 23 clients.