WANT to turn your creative business idea into reality? Get yourself into The Hive! The Hive is one of various organizations in Nottingham that are directly promoting the creation and development of the creative industries in the city.

It is a hot-house for start-up businesses that offers a three-month support programme to help aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life to launch their business. I've lectured there and seen how good it is, and I am a great believer in learning how to do it right before you jump into the deep end. So, what's going on in this busy place?

Sarah McNicol is the operations manager at The Hive.

What's going on at The Hive?

"There's so much going on here it's difficult to know where to begin. A lot of the businesses we support aren't even physically based at the Hive. We do provide hot desks, dedicated desks and offices, and our tenants make use of these in a variety of ways. They each have their own specific requirements and we are very flexible about how we work with them.

"We support people with business ideas where we can add value, and you don't need to have been to Nottingham Trent University (which is behind this initiative) to be at The Hive. Some 150 businesses have started up with our support, and about one third of these are within the creative industries. The number of creative businesses coming to The Hive is increasing all the time."

What sort of creative businesses have you helped?

"Our success stories include Toast PR, started by Julia Mitchell, and the product design business Sono Design. Another is Bantum Clothing, which is developing new ideas in Sri Lanka, and of course there is Debbie Bryan. Debbie has a studio in the Lace Market and is now drawing in other designer-makers and craftspeople into her workshop. Another success story of ours is & Then Design..., a furniture design business that looks set to be very successful. Sam and Jamie are now getting international recognition.

What do you particularly like about The Hive?

"I particularly enjoy supporting individuals in terms of their personal development, building their effectiveness and confidence and helping them to turn their ambitions and aspirations into reality.

"I have always been a business person as well as an artist/designer and I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people to get their businesses off the ground. I've been at The Hive for a couple of years now and every day is different. Before this, I ran my own business called Juicy Glass, which specialises in architectural glass. I started it in 2000 and sold it last year to enable me to concentrate on helping other businesses.

Are you looking for more people with business ideas?

"Of course! If you would like to start a business and want our help you should apply to our Head Start programme. It is very thorough and hands-on, with a strong focus on business planning. It gives you a helicopter view of your business and helps you to make the best possible start. Our next programme in February is full, but there are opportunities for you in June and September, so get in touch!"

Can other businesses help at The Hive?

"If you are an established business I would be really grateful if you would consider sparing an hour or so with us. We are always looking to introduce aspiring entrepreneurs to people who have achieved success."

You can visit The Hive online at www.businesshive.ntu.ac.uk and contact Sarah by e-mail at sarah.mcnicol@ntu.ac.uk. I am always interested in your ideas, feedback and suggestions. We are planning a special pull-out supplement on the creative industries in Nottingham. My e-mail is mark@markshaw.co.uk.