BORDON’S only free co-working space celebrated its opening with a glittering party.

With fairy lights and chiffon drapes adorning every wall, the co-working space transformed from minimalist office environment to party venue for around 70 guests on Thursday, April 26.

Attending were dignitaries, including deputy town mayor Leslie Webber and small-business owners.

The workspace, at the refurbished Martinique House in Hampshire Road, has 20 seats for small-business owners, start-up entrepreneurs and remote workers to support each other, share knowledge and work on their businesses 9am to 5pm, five days a week. Attendees can have a desk for free, as long as they are open to share their knowledge and skills with other co-workers.

The venture is backed by The Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, which aims to nurture and grow small and medium enterprises to draw people to the new town, which it is developing, and increase employment prospects, particularly for the young.

Guests enjoyed music from Portsmouth guitarist Joe James, were entertained by Sandhurst-based magician Dan Framps, had pictures created on the spot by caricaturist Jules Buss from Badshot Lea, and were treated to body art by henna artist Nimisha Lakhani from Liphook.

Signal is run by Emma Selby, a serial entrepreneur who has extensive experience bringing like-minded people together through her network of Business Hubs across the South East.

Signal, at Martinique House, is Ms Selby’s first permanent location, and takes her vision for a vibrant, inclusive local economy, built around small enterprises, to the next level. In a speech, she said: “You small-business owners are the unsung heroes of our nation’s economy. There’s no fancy title, no golden hello and no support from big corporate departments to get things done. Small businesses owners push everything along themselves, often doing every task from pitching to invoicing. And it can sometimes be lonely - especially if you work from a home office, a kitchen table or shed in the garden.

“That’s why creating a place where small-business owners can come together for support, motivation, advice and just to work with others around them, has been a passion of mine for years. I’d created online communities of local business owners and pop-up meetings offline, but I wanted a place that would open its doors every day.”