11 November 2010
Calling all Eastleigh Entrepreneurs and new businesses

A new Smarter Working Centre is now open in Eastleigh offering business start-ups, home-based businesses and entrepreneurs, low-cost accommodation and the chance to work and meet locally and avoid the stress and cost of the peak-time journey to work.

Hampshire County Council provided match funding of £ 8,410 to help set up the Eastleigh Smarter Working Centre which is run by the Borough Council and includes four workspaces available for Smarter Working, business level broadband access, plus additional private office accommodation and access to meeting/training, event communal space. Meet and greet services are provided by experienced reception staff  and Smarter Working Centre members using the Eastleigh facility can also take up optional services, such as call minding, courier services and secretarial support.

Businesses interested in using the Smarter Working Centre can find out more at the website http://www.smarterworkingcentreshiow.org.uk . The site provides an easy introduction for those new to the concept of Smarter Working Centres and offers real-time space availability checking, on-line booking and secure on-line payment. Alternatively phone 023 80 619722 for a chat with the Centre Manager or to arrange a tour of the facilities.

Accommodation and usage costs are kept low at Smarter Working Centres by offering users the option of  'pay as you use' or discounted prepaid allocated work or meeting-space options. Depending upon the membership package chosen, work-space can work out at as little as £3 per hour or £10 per day. This can reduce even further if organisations are willing to pre-book longer periods.

Smarter Working Centre members also benefit from access to support, training and advice from expert organisations such as Job Centre Plus, Enterprise First, and Business Link skills and business advisers.

Councillor Ray Ellis, Executive Member for Economic Development and Rural Affairs said: “Smarter Working Centres offer a more flexible approach. They are ideal for people just starting their business as it enables them to avoid long term rental commitments while still benefiting from office accommodation and meeting space.

“The area set aside for Smarter Working at Wessex House Business Centre offers a pleasant and business-like working environment with modern amenities.  New investment has been made in business level broadband and wireless connectivity to ensure fast reliable internet access for SWC users. Adding to the package the support of experienced local staff, the Eastleigh Smarter Working Centre should offer an excellent customer-experience.”

The Smarter Working Centre in Eastleigh is the latest in a network of centres now open and are one of four recession-busting initiatives the County Council has introduced. The projects were created following discussions by the Hampshire Senate to try to identify action that could be taken by local authorities to help businesses in the economic downturn.

The other measures the County Council has put in place includes a retail support package, which aims to help local retailers improve their online presence, encourage consumers into the town centres and provide new skills to redundant shop workers. There are also grants available to enable the voluntary and community sector to offer work experience and volunteering places, helping people to gain new skills and grants to encourage businesses to take on apprentices.

For more information on what Hampshire County Council does for business visit  www.hants.gov.uk/business