A new initiative has been launched today to encourage business start-ups and small business development in Shropshire and Herefordshire.

Evans Easyspace, which operates the rural enterprise centre network, has announced a package of incentives across its developments in Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow and Shrewsbury in a bid to give fledging entrepreneurs breathing space from the harsh economic times of the recession.

Backed and part funded by Advantage West Midlands’ Rural Regeneration Zone (RRZ), the innovative scheme is designed to minimise the financial risk new companies and young businesses face from taking on new premises by offering varying periods of reduced rental.

Tom Stokes, Evans Easyspace managing director, said: “We have developed this package alongside the Rural Regeneration Zone as a direct result of the economic downturn, yet we believe that the upshot of this will mean that many new small businesses will be created. This is our way of assisting in the process and stimulating start ups.

“It is crucial that companies in their infancy are given additional support during these difficult times and reducing the financial risk by occupying flexible workspace, such as that offered by the Rural Enterprise Centre, is one way of doing this.”

The Enterprise Centre Network has two main ‘hubs’ in Hereford and Shrewsbury, with two smaller spokes at Ludlow and Leominster.

All offer a combination of high quality office and workshop space, equipped with the latest technology, ample parking and access to flexible licenses.

In addition to providing a hi-tech home, each centre has been developed to create an entrepreneurial community, which encourages tenants to inter-trade and tap into expert business support that is offered by Business Link West Midlands.

Ian Edwards from the Rural Regeneration Zone said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Evans Easyspace to help encourage the growth of the Zone’s entrepreneurial community, thereby boosting the regional economy through new business creation.

“The network of Enterprise Centres has the potential to develop almost 100 new businesses, which in turn will bring approximately 390 new jobs to the region.”

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