A NEW business centre aimed at helping new and growing local firms to flourish has been officially launched in Kidderminster.

Space, in Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, has 7,000 sq foot of flexible work space to help businesses get off the ground and grow.

It is a new concept from Wyre Forest District Council and offers up to 13 office and work - shop spaces.

Fran Oborski, chairman of the authority, said: “This initiative is an important step towards helping new and growing local businesses to flourish.

“We want to see a strong new business community in this exciting new space, which has been really well thought through. Creating a business centre for start up and growing businesses was one of the key initiatives that sprung out of the state of the area events for businesses held in 2012 and 2013.”

Labour councillor Howard Martin, the district council’s member champion for business, added: “We are really pleased to open the doors on this exciting new workspace, which is all about getting new businesses off the ground and helping them grow.”

Businesses can opt for the size of workspace that is right for them as they start and develop. As well as occupying their own purpose-built working space, businesses will share a meeting area and kitchen and toilet facilities.

There are also “hot desks” available to occupy for one to five days a week, located on the second floor.

Mrs Oborski added: “We are already attracting lots of in - terest from aspiring business people as there is nothing to compare with this facility in the area.

“We are looking forward to supporting business people to bring their vision to fruition in this new exciting space.”