Make yourselves at home
the hive combines two not-for-profit organisations under one brand and is a culmination of nearly 40 years of business support for start-up, micro and small businesses in North Somerset. Until recently the business support arm was known as North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA) which has successfully delivered contracts on behalf of the UK Government, North Somerset Council, European Social Fund, Quartet Community Foundation and Big Lottery. the hive business counsellors provide impartial, confidential and free support to stimulate and encourage local businesses, helping to create a healthy local economy. Community is at the heart of everything we do and any surplus we make goes directly back into supporting the North Somerset economic area.
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Our organisation has come a long way
A vision to create a thriving business community at the heart of North Somerset
We have always had a mission to help people realise their self-employment dream. That hasn’t changed, we’re just MORE determined to create a BIGGER impact for the region. So, if you’re based in Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Portishead, Nailsea or the surrounding villages get in touch.
the hive is plugged-in to the community and thrives on building relationships at a local and regional level to support our clients wide-ranging needs. Our mission is pretty BIG, we want your business to be a significant part of North Somerset’s success and vibrancy, that means working with you over time.
Our values are everything to us
Our senior management are clear about the values that the hive adheres to. We try to live them every day – from the specification of the offices, to supporting other social enterprises and creating the North Somerset Sustainable Business Club. We want to run our own business in a positive way and follow these governing principles:
- Business as a force for good
- Looking after our staff
- Fostering a ‘virtuous circle’ economy
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
- Providing excellent customer service
- Contributing to sustainable economic regeneration
Our offices are unique & represent our commitment to the sustainable agenda
Based in the Weston Business Quarter of Junction 21 Enterprise Area in Weston-super-Mare, the hive business support is no ordinary space, it has been specially designed to be as kind to nature and our environment as possible. With many energy saving credentials and a BREEAM rated excellent status, we can truly say that our passion and commitment is reflected in our name; the hive. It provides an environmentally positive structure to house and protect community and growth.
Values aren’t a tick box exercise they inform everything we do, and we try to live by them personally every day”
Angela Hicks, Chief Executive
We continue to drive sustainable change with our events and business practices
We are proud to be pushing forward with our desire to create a more positive and sustainable business world. Here are just a few of our ongoing events, achievements and commitments.
North Somerset Sustainable Business Club
We are delighted to be able to host a free, open, grassroots community of local businesses interested in sustainability, social impact, ethical conduct, climate change and other environmental issues.
Join our LinkedIn group
B Corp
We are pleased to be part of a growing community of over 9,500 businesses globally that have certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the UK is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world, with over 2,400 companies spanning a range of different industries and sizes.
Meet the team
We like to think of our team as natural connectors. Our role is to ensure that your business is connected on every level. We have training, advice and guidance but we are also working with you to benefit from all opportunities in the local area. We share knowledge and collaborate, it’s just the way we work.
Angela Hicks
Chief Executive
Rob Hicks
Workspace Manager
Annie Cowell
Business Growth Manager
Liz Gjoni
Business Adviser
Abdullah Ali Ahmadi
Business coach / trainer
Hazel Wintle
Client Services
Vicky Sweeney
Workspace Assistant
Simon Parkes
Business Mentor
Jack Easterbrook
Digital Media Expert
The team are just so knowledgeable, you put up your hand and they have an answer for you. Quite honestly, they’re a force of nature”
