As part of a £5.2m initiative to boost small businesses across the region a new enterprise centre opened in Trowbridge yesterday.

Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, officially opened the centre, based at the White Horse Business Park, which will offer free business advice, networking space and help to companies looking to apply for rural economy grants.

The building is part of The Enterprise Netowrk (TEN) which is led by Wiltshire Council with Wessex Chambers of Commerce managing the building.

Kate Forrest, TEN manager, said: “The centre in Trowbridge is a bright and modern flexible work space for up to 34 micro businesses. People can rent a desk by the hour or an office by the month, so it is perfectly tailored for start-ups or small businesses heading for growth.

“In addition, the free expert support and advice through Wiltshire Business Support Service is available to anyone thinking of starting a small business or those needing to take their business onto the next stage.”

This is the second building of its kind in Wiltshire with another centre being based at Castledown Business Park in Ludgershall.

TEN is a partnership between Wiltshire Council, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Enterprise Wiltshire, Swindon Borough Council, Military Civilian Integration Partnership and 43 Wessex Brigade, Wessex Chambers of Commerce.

For more, visit www.theenterprisenetwork.co.uk