HASLEMERE Chamber of Trade and Commerce is set to open its new centre for small business in the town today (Friday) in what is thought to be an unique venture in Surrey.

Plans for the Haslemere Business Centre have been in the pipeline over 12 months and came to fruition with the first tenants moving in over last weekend.

Ahead of the official opening, due to take place at 1pm, Haslemere Chamber president Craig McGowan told The Herald: “Many people in the town are quite excited about this venture as it seems to be pretty unique, in Surrey, for a chamber of trade to embark on such a project.

“After expenses, any income generated will be given over to the chamber for expenditure on things that will benefit the business community in and around Haslemere.”

So far four small businesses have moved into the premises at Causewayside, just off the High Street, including a retail business at the front, and there is space for four more.

The business hub is aimed at small or start-up companies looking for a step up from a home-base, for example.

For £250 a month per desk businesses get 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.

Mr McGowan said: “Haslemere is a great place to do business. As well as being a beautiful country market town it is the gateway to the South Downs and only 55 minutes from Waterloo.

“It has one of the greatest variety of independent shops and also a thriving and extensive range of businesses providing the full range of professional and contracting services.

“However, it has lacked a facility giving a starting point for small businesses looking to expand away from the home and set up 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.”

To meet this demand, the refurbished office space includes the latest in: broadband and office communications systems curtesy of Haslenet IT providing the fastest download and upload speeds anywhere in town.

Bryanston Electrical has completely modernised the electrical system and fitted stylish new lights adding to a safe working environment while Buxton Heating has installed the latest in modern boilers.

“All this adds up to providing small businesses with a modern, convenient location to help them keep in touch with clients and develop.

“Furthermore, the town benefits from the extra business activity this will undoubtedly create,” added Mr McGowan.

For further information contact him on 07803 907821 or email craig@ mcgowancorp.co.uk.