HASLEMERE Mayor Melanie Odell cut the ribbon and declared a new centre for small businesses in the town centre on Friday. April 9. In what it thought to be the first venture of its kind in Surrey, Haslemere Business Centre has been set up by the town’s chamber of trade.

The project, which has been in the pipeline for 12 months, has been masterminded by Haslemere Chamber of Trade President Craig McGowan.

At the opening Mr McGowan, describing it as “the start of great things,” said the centre was a not-for-profit venture, but any income generated by the chamber will be spent on the area’s business community.

Before cutting the ribbon, the mayor, whose business Grayswood Computer Services formerly occupied the refurbished premises, said: “A huge thanks to the chamber for having the vision to do this.”

Mr McGowan thanked landlord Verardo Ricci, Mrs Odell for letting the chamber know the facilities would become free, chamber treasurer Caroline Warrington for sorting out financing and dealing with the banks, committee members for their bravery in backing the project financially and the tenant business who have moved in.

He also thanked local suppliers who have helped refurbish the premises – HaslenetIT, Bryanston Electrical and Buxton Heating, along with Paul Gardner of Gardner Thorpe solicitors who provided legal services for free, and Pennywise Accounting.

So far four small businesses have moved into the premises at Causewayside, just off the High Street. Richmond IT systems has the upstairs floor while three businesses are working downstairs – Philip Clifford-Browne of Lion Lane Consulting Ltd, John Wilson Music and Sandra McHugh of Handmade Locally. There is space for two more. Call Mr McGowan, on 07803 907821.