A new business centre for small firms taking their first steps in the world of commerce was opened in Tavistock onFriday. West Devon mayor Ken Williams was joined by West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox and South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) board member Alan Courts , to unveil the sign outside Tavy Business Centre at Pitts Cleave Industrial Estate. The centre, made up of eleven offices and four workshops, is already home to three new, or nearly new, businesses. Communal facilities include a reception, conference room and kitchen as well as on-site business counselling from West Devon Business Information Point (BIP). It is owned and managed by West Devon Borough Council and was funded by the council, the South West RDA and the European Regional Development Fund. Cllr Williams said: 'The development follows many years of hard work by both parties and provides opportunities for many businesses to establish and grow.' Mr Cox said the development was crucial: 'It's part of an essential effort to ensure our rural community can thrive by creating new business employment.' Mr Courts said: 'Providing small businesses with the facilities and support to allow them to develop and thrive is a key element of delivering economic growth in West Devon and the wider region.' The centre has been built with the aim of being environmentally conscious which will help to keep running costs down. Building insulation has been increased significantly which, with other measures, will reduce energy bills. Heating is provided by a boiler fuelled by wood pellets, which has a much reduced impact on global warming, compared to conventional boilers. As starter units, businesses will be expected to move on from the scheme after around three years. The first tenant in the centre was chartered surveyor Joseph Hess, who set up his business from his home. It was fine to start with, he said, but as his customer base increased, his office, a converted bedroom, was no match for his business needs. He said: 'I'm so pleased I made the move. It's fantastic. Everything I need is here on site. Parking is great too. Clients don't need to hunt around and find somewhere; they can drive up right outside the office, as there are plenty of spaces provided.'
