Wenta Celebrates 40 Years of Empowering Entrepreneurs and Driving Sustainable Growth
Wenta, the leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. Since their inception in Watford, Wenta have supported an incredible 83,645 businesses since 1983.
The event in Parliament, sponsored by local MP Dean Russell, met with partners, stakeholders and supporters to commemorate four decades of empowering individuals to enhance their business skills, start new ventures, and foster sustainable growth.
Dean Russell MP expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to support this event, saying, ‘I am honoured to sponsor this celebration and to witness the remarkable achievements of Wenta over the past 40 years. Wenta plays a key role in the Watford community and beyond, nurturing entrepreneurship and driving economic success. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved is truly commendable’.
Ed Jordan, Chief Executive Officer said, ‘Our continued success would also not have been possible without collaborations past, present and future. For that we owe thanks to all of you and your organisations, with whom we share common ambitions to support economic well-being for all’.
Founded in 1983, Wenta has continually adapted and evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of businesses and entrepreneurs. In its 40th year, Wenta proudly introduced a new service, "Action Zero," aimed at providing free advice to micro, small, and early-stage businesses on preserving the environment and responding to customer demands for sustainability. Action Zero is a service that is putting small businesses at the forefront of tackling climate change by producing greener products and services. Wenta’s service has been designed by their own experts in climate change and is delivered by their own experienced Net Zero and Business Advisors.
During the celebration, key speakers included Associate Professor Kevin Mole of the Enterprise Research Centre, who shared insights from an independent study on how businesses are responding to the challenges of achieving net-zero emissions. The event also featured Dom McKenna, Chairman of Wenta, who extended appreciation to partners, sponsors, staff, and board members for their invaluable contributions.
Dom McKenna reflected on Wenta's continuous partnership with communities over the decades and emphasised the importance of long-term collaboration. He stated, "Partnerships are vital in supporting startups and skills development for our communities. We've been fortunate to maintain enduring partnerships spanning several decades, allowing us to make decisions that benefit the economy, our clients, and our partners. Looking ahead, we are committed to adapting and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of SMEs and entrepreneurs."
Action Zero, one of Wenta's digital initiatives, addresses the growing importance of sustainability in business. The program provides support to small businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, enhance their environmental credentials, and access procurement opportunities with environmental requirements.
Wenta's commitment to offering free and accessible services has contributed to its remarkable growth over the past five years, with services expanding fivefold. The organisation remains dedicated to ensuring that its services remain inclusive, accessible, and user-friendly, furthering its mission to support SMEs nationwide.
As Wenta looks ahead to the next 40 years, it remains committed to driving entrepreneurship, supporting sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of innovation in the small business community.
About Wenta:
Wenta is an independent, not-for-profit, social enterprise that exists to make it easier and greener to start and run a successful business. Wenta are one of England’s largest enterprise agencies and support all types of businesses with free one-to-one advice, skills training and affordable workspace
Online and through their business advice and support services, Wenta provides free, inclusive, responsive and highly accessible support to help anyone that is starting a business or already running one. Their community of clients are nurtured with ongoing help and advice, and flexible workspace as well as continuous support to help them start-up, develop and grow to reach their aspirations
Wenta provide free CPD certified business skills training, Savings available through trusted partners and Action Zero – a revolutionary service to provide small businesses with every opportunity to maximise Green Growth
Across Wenta’s four business centres and industrial units located across Enfield, Potters Bar, Stevenage and Watford, Wenta provide a physical home to over 270 small and growing businesses who rent their affordable and flexible workspace, whilst benefiting from on-site advice and a growing community
Wenta work with a range of partners including local authorities, Google Digital Garage, and a range of service providers and charities to provide on the ground advice and support
Photographs by kind permission of Wenta
