A NEW support package has been launched for entrepreneurs and business people in the eastern region.

The Eastern Enterprise Hub (EEHub), based in Ipswich, has introduced e-touchdown, which offers users a set of products including flexible pay-as-you-go hot-desking, business incubation services and the opportunity to access a thriving network of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

It was launched jointly during a ceremony at the hub, on the Ipswich Waterfront, by Paul Winter, Suffolk chairman for the Institute of Directors, Andy Wood, chairman New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, Ben Gummer, MP for Ipswich, and EEHub chairman Harry Berry.

The business leaders, who were joined by Chris Winter from new e-touchdown tenant Brightstar Innovations, collectively welcomed the new venture as a catalyst for business growth.

The Suffolk branch of the IoD is a partner in the new venture, designating it as one of its regional hubs with dedicated work space available to IoD members from Suffolk and beyond.

Mr Winter said: “This is an IoD member benefit which we are very excited to be able to offer in partnership with EEHub. It’s an inspiring, innovative and flexible work space which any business leader will be delighted to use.”

Mr Wood added: “Encouraging the right environment, infrastructure and support for enterprise to thrive is a priority for New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. A new venture such as this creates the right kind of positive network for entrepreneurs to collaborate and do business.”

Mr Gummer said: “Entrepre-neurs – people willing to take risks for great ideas – are the people who will bring jobs and prosperity to our town.

“Without them, we are lost, so we must do everything in our power to help young businesses get the support they need.

“That is why I support this new facility and look forward to seeing it doing great work in our town in the years ahead.”

Celia Hodson, EEHub chief executive, said: “This is a critical next step in our offer to support enterprise with a package that will help ambitious, forward thinking entrepreneurs maximise their potential for high growth.

“This has always been part of our vision to support entrepreneurs and I’m delighted that, working partnership with the business community, that we have been able to make it happen.”