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Gosport News
Gosport Mayor opens Smarter Working Centre
29/03/2010
Smarter working has arrived in Gosport with the official opening of a centre within the Sanderson Business Centre in Lees Lane!
The Mayor of Gosport, Cllr Diane Searle officially opened the offices on Wednesday 24th February alongside representatives from local business support organisations, Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, who provided an initial injection of funding into the programme.
The Mayor (pictured) with Cllr Jonathan Glen and Tony Corbin from Hampshire County Council was then given a tour of the facilities and a demonstration of the computer equipment.
The new centre forms part of a larger network of Smarter Working Centres (SWC) throughout the county. Launched in 2009, the SWC initiative offers entrepreneurs, business start-ups, home-based businesses and commuters access to affordable shared workspace.
It provides the chance to work and meet locally and avoid the stress and cost of the journey to work. There is only a charge for the number of hours the centre is used so there’s no on-going commitment required.
With more than 50% of Business Start-ups home-based, and with 60% failing to make it beyond the third year of operation, it is hoped that the supportive working environment of a SWC will improve these disturbing statistics.
Andrew Smith, a Director of the Sanderson Centre commented: "Home working doesn’t suit everyone, so this centre offers an affordable and flexible alternative to those starting up in business. Space can be booked by the hour, there's no lease to sign, or heat and light bills to pay!"
The initiative is part of a £425k investment by Hampshire County Council to help Hampshire Businesses through and out of the recession to recovery. Visit www.smarterworkingcentreshiow.org.uk to find out more about Smarter Working Centres and/or to book space or use the facilities at the Gosport SWC. Alternatively contact Shelley, Manager of the Centre, direct on 023 9252 4331.