A NEW business centre in Witney has officially opened for business and welcomed its first five occupiers.

The Witney Business and Innovation Centre, on the Windrush Industrial Park, is aimed at providing facilities for local start-up and growing companies, with bosses describing it as “a hub for local entrepreneurship”.

Up to 21 businesses can be accommodated at the 28,000sq ft site, which is owned by the Blenheim Estate.

Trained screenwriter Miles Hoare, founder of Just One Wordsmith, is taking his new copywriting and marketing consultancy from his home office into the centre.

He said: “I have built up clients and toyed with the idea of moving the business from home for a while but always found the process of renting office space confusing and expensive.

“But I want a more professional feel to my business and, over the coming year, I plan to take on a couple of graduates or freelancers. This will also enable me to focus more on my passion for theatre and film.”

The Oxford Limousine Company is branching out into the vintage wedding cars market.

Director Stephen Clarke said: “We are growing our operation so we needed a professional environment in a good location. We have done a lot of extra business since moving in here.”

The other occupiers are Redwood Accountancy, home support and care services provider Do Care, and business consultancy Swift Consulting Services.

It is the second business centre to be officially opened in Witney in the last month following the unveiling of the Hexagon Business Centre at Wittas House, in Station Lane.

John Hoy, chief executive of Blenheim Estate, said: “We are committed to supporting the growth of local businesses as they are absolutely key to the sustainable growth of our local economy.

“We have been delighted by the positive response to Witney Business and Innovation Centre which already looks set to become a thriving hub for entrepreneurs and businesses.”

The centre is one of seven managed by Oxford Innovation in the county and part of a network of 21 centres stretching from Portsmouth to Yorkshire used by more than 500 companies.

Chris Allington, managing director of Oxford Innovation’s business and innovation centres division, said: “Our ambition is for this centre to become a focal point for enterprise and a generator of local employment. We estimate the centre should create about 290 jobs.”

Offices range from 100 to 3,000sq ft and are designed for between one and 30 people on flexible letting agreements.

Businesses joining the centre can access funding from local investment networks, business advice and a selection of meeting rooms.