One lucky winner will get a business boost of six month's free membership of the The Lighthouse Sidmouth as the community interest company celebrated its first birthday on Monday (January 10).

The winner will be able to separate work from home, with access to the shared workspace in Mill Street up to two days a week. In addition, they will be able to attend all Lighthouse events and monthly masterclasses free of charge. To enter click the red button at the bottom of the page.

The Lighthouse Sidmouth was set up by two local entrepreneurs, Cathy Debenham and Louise Thompson.

"We've both had our own businesses for years," said Cathy, "and wanted to work with other people, but didn't want to have to drive to Exeter every day. We had both independently thought about setting up a shared workspace in Sidmouth, and once we met each other, things really got moving.

"Our aim is to encourage and support entrepreneurship in the Sid Valley and provide a shared workspace where start-up businesses and self-employed people can work productively, build a community, share their knowledge and expertise and learn from each other. We want to celebrate our first year in business with this competition to win a free membership."

"We've had an amazing first year," says Louise. "We've attracted members with a wide spread of businesses, including web development, human resources, hypnotherapy, social media, accountancy and IT advice. We've also been joined by some Exeter commuters who like to have the option of working in Sidmouth a couple of days a week, which we didn't anticipate.

"We are particularly proud of the monthly masterclasses which have been a great success. They have covered a range of topics useful to people starting out alone in business, such as how to use social media for business, how to build a brand, and how to work with a graphic designer. Facebook – and how to use it effectively – both for advertising and otherwise has been a particularly popular topic.

"This year will bring a wider range of masterclasses and events to the Sid Valley, encouraging more local people to build their own business, and growing a supportive community where people can share ideas and expertise and businesses can thrive."

The first of its kind in the area, The Lighthouse aims to build connection and community, reducing the isolation felt by many small business owners, and to foster inclusivity and productivity.

Based at 44 Mill Street (just opposite the BUPA dentist) The Lighthouse is ideally situated in the heart of Sidmouth and provides a light-filled, contemporary workspace where members can log in and get down to business.

The Lighthouse is a not for private profit Community Interest Company (CIC).

The competition will end on 19th January 2020. And the winner will be announced on 20th.

Nub News editor Joe Bulmer will be giving a Masterclass on 'How to get your business stories in the local news' on Wednesday, January 15, at The Lighthouse. We hope to see you there.

To enter the competition click the red button below.