GOOD progress is being made with plans to launch the new Haslemere Business Centre, a centrally located workplace ideal for small and start-up businesses.

Haslemere Chamber of Commerce is hoping to set up the centre at 1a The Causeway, above Haslemere Mayor Melanie Odell’s business premises Grayswood Computers.

The aim is to offer affordable furnished office accommodation for new and established small businesses in Haslemere and surrounding districts.

Chamber of trade president Craig McGowan said the aim is to have the facility up and running for a possible October 1 start date.

Mr McGowan told The Herald: “We will need to rent out at least eight or nine desks to make it economically viable. So far we are up to possibly six-seven.”

It will give local one man businesses, and start ups, a Regus style, low cost campus to operate from.

Writing in the chamber’s latest newsletter he said: “Having been completely refurbished and situated in the town centre the facility will provide a convenient town centre location to help new and small local businesses to keep in touch with clients and enable them to carry out up-to-date important tasks and meetings all in modern surroundings and fitted to a high specification particularly in respect of communications.”

The cost will be from £250 a month per desk, with two months’ deposit and a minimum licence period of six months.

Businesses will get access to:a desk, chair and filing cabinet, unlimited, secure wired and wireless access to high speed internet connection, VoIP and other services available on request, separate, self contained and confidential meeting rooms, kitchenette/toilet facilities and chamber membership.

The monthly rent will also cover business rates, heating, lighting and maintenance costs.

“Many business people have had to set up from home which comes with it numerous problems because Haslemere has lacked a facility giving such small businesses the starting point from which they can expand away from the home and operate in a more professional and affordable environment of the type more normally associated with the bigger towns and centres.

“Ironically the type of places the small business has sought to move away from in the first place.”

He added it could also help the local economy, by bringing people into the town, increasing employment opportunities and, though a non profit making venture, allow for future investment to help encourage more small businesses to start or grow within the area.

For more details call Mr McGowan on 07803 907821.