Business centre to be '˜a first step to growth'

The Sphere, at Northbrook College, in Broadwater Road, Worthing, is a joint venture between the college, Worthing Borough Council and Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber chief executive Tina Tilley said: “Small businesses looking to take those first steps into growth face many challenges.

“Going into your first office can be prohibitively expensive and dealing with all the factors of renting commercial property can be daunting.

“The Sphere has been set up to offer local companies a secure first step into growth and increased success.”

The ribbon was cut by East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, with guests including politicians and business figures.

The opening included a presentation from businesses which have contributed to the construction of the facility – all based in the Herald and Gazette area.

They included Mocha furniture, Barebones Communications, Warnes Projects, Yoohoo Creative, Subway EPS and Bloomfield Digital.

Worthing Borough Council leader Dan Humphreys, visiting the centre for the first time on Friday, said: “It is great. I am really impressed with what I have seen.

“When the chamber came to us with the idea we were delighted to help. It is the next stage for businesses being run from a bedroom or coffee shop.

“This is a very modern way of working.”

The council funding relates to a £70,000 grant, part of the £150,000 legal agreement secured from the building of new homes at the former Worthing College site, in Bolsover Road.

It was initially hoped the site would accommodate business incubator space but the location was deemed unsuitable and a financial contribution for off-site provision was made.

Mrs Tilley said: “The whole ethos of the Sphere is to help all those who join us become too big to stay. We will help them with targeted planning and business advice and look forward to seeing great success come from the Sphere over the next few years.”

For more information about the facility and to enquire about available space, visit www.spherebusinesscentre.co.uk