A BUSINESS hub which has helped grow 16 creative and digital businesses over the last two years is widening its remit as it is taken on by York St John University.

The Phoenix Centre, based on the York St John University campus, currently offers subsidised rents to creative and digital businesses which may set up there for one year to stimulate growth in the sector.

York St John University, which is taking over the management of the centre from Science City York following the end of its initial two-year funding, will open up the centre to accommodate any innovative start-up business.

Businesses will be chosen on their potential for synergy between other businesses in the centre. It will also put in place a full-time centre manager.

Sue Reece, pro vice chancellor (Development) of York St John University, said the centre would build on the success of its own incubation initiatives, such as the DesignWorks unit on campus.

She said: “The Phoenix Centre has been a huge success, with an abundance of innovative businesses realising their ambitions under one roof.

“We have seen fantastic collaboration between the incubating businesses and our staff and students, giving both a taste of what is possible when creative and business minds collide.

Heather Niven, Creative York manager at Science City York, who has co-ordinated the development of the Phoenix Centre, will continue to support it in its next phase.

She said: “Science City York is delighted to hand over the management of the Phoenix Centre to York St John University and we’re really excited to be kicking off the next stage.”

Heather said Science City York would continue to work alongside the incubator, with programmes such as its open innovation accelerator programme, which will work with large and small companies develop their processes and products.

The centre will hold a series of business briefings next Monday, from noon to 4pm, before the occupants for the next year, which will start in September, are chosen.

Businesses must be in their first year of trading, be able to demonstrate a potential for growth and show an enthusiasm to engage with the York St John University faculties and its students.