A HIGH technology business centre for the development of small firms is to be built in the new year.
The Doncaster Business and Innovation Centre at Ten Pound Walk, off White Rose Way, will house up to 32 companies in the media, information and communications technology and electronics sectors.About 160 jobs could be created by the 2.1 million proje
ct, which is being led by Barnsley and Doncaster Training and Enterprise Council and will be funded from a number of sources.A cyber cafe, offices with internet access and meeting rooms will be included in the building.The idea is to aid entrepreneurs by offering advice in the daily management of businesses, allowing them to concentrate on developing the company.Jonathan Dixon, TEC service develpment manager, said they were reducing the risks involved in setting up small businesses. They will offer one-month leases on office space, rather than forcing firms to sign longer contracts.He said: "It's about nurturing companies in their early stages. We want to see them move out when they are stronger in two or three years' time."Construction of the centre is expected to begin in January and it could open by autumn.Mr Dixon said he expected the building to be 50 per cent full on opening.Doncaster Council donated the land for the project with the possiblity of releasing an adjoining plot for expansion in the future.
