AS the SETsquared Basing View hub nears a year of helping local businesses to grow, entrepreneur in residence, Adrian Braine, gives us an update on what is happening at the centre, as well as his top five tips for start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Adrian said: “It’s incredible to think that the hub is less than a year old. Already we have seven businesses based here, doing everything from creating agritech products for coffee producers to inventing anti-theft devices for bicycles.

“There is a real variety in the applications that these products and services have but the common theme that ties them together is an innovative use of technology.

“The subject of technology has been at the heart of our events over the last year, with our Next Tech Wave event recently drawing in more than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs.

“There are many more to come, with our free Internet of Threats event taking place this evening and our monthly beer and pizza networking events proving a hit.

“Encouraging entrepreneurs from in and around Basingstoke to grow their businesses has been a major mission for us since opening.

“Our first entrepreneurship programme was a resounding success and four of the start-ups that participated impressed us so much that we’ve taken them on as SETsquared members here in Basingstoke. Our next entrepreneurship programme takes place from October 13 to 15 and places are still available.

“One of the most rewarding elements of my job is to see the success of businesses within the hub. Recently three of our start-ups won the fantastic opportunity to pitch their business ideas to the Duke of York as part of Pitch @ the Palace. Similarly, the majority of our residents are currently going through the selection process to take part in SETsquared’s annual investment showcase, where they will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to scores of investors.

“Looking ahead, I hope that by this time next year we will have even more businesses based with us at the hub and that we will have come even further in building a vibrant technology community in Basing View.”

Adrian’s top five tips for start-ups 1) Always understand why customers should care about what you do. Customers don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it.

2) Make sure you solve a real problem and that it's a problem worth solving. For example, will customers pay to have it solved and are there enough of them to make a business?

3) Make sure you know who your target customers are, where they hang out and how you'll reach them. This will be vital in forming your marketing and sales approach.

4) Focus. You need to have laser focus on your target market. Don't get blown off-course by events or outside influences.

5) Get help! Don't try and do it all on your own. Build a team and get support from other organisations such as SETsquared at Basing View Hub. We run a number of free events and courses for local entrepreneurs and start-ups.

To find out more about Basing View Hub or the events mentioned in this article visit setsquared.co.uk.