THE Daily Echo's former print room will host its first official event next week since it was transformed into a business hub by THIS Group.

On Wednesday, the Virgin Startup event will see expert speakers provide advice to new and growing businesses in the Echo building's former press hall in Richmond Hill.

Joshua Winterton, 25-year-old partner with THIS Group, said: "We've held all of the Virgin Startup events at the Hilton for the last eight months and they've done very well, with an average of 80 to 90 people (some events out performed the Virgin Startup events in London).

"For this event we have two local speakers, William Ferreira from UNBXD and Mitchell Stuart from Inferno Media, and also a London speaker who has done extremely well and named in Forbes' 30 under 30 in Europe for Retail & Ecommerce, Ed Williams, who's the co-founder of Candy Kittens.

"Join us for an inspiring evening for those looking to start or grow their business, network with like-minded entrepreneurs who can help take your business forward."

THIS Group's THIS Workspace has seen large unused areas of the Echo building refurbished to provide a shared work area for freelances and small businesses on monthly rolling contracts.

The hub is particularly aimed at the town's growing digital/creative industries sector, and next week's event will have a focus on social media.

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