A £1.16million flagship business centre aimed at driving enterprise and business growth in Somerset now has a co-ordinator.

The Highbridge Enterprise Centre is the fifth business centre to have been built by Somerset County Council, championing high-growth enterprises and driving business investment.

All five premises are managed by SW Business Centres on the council’s behalf.

The Highbridge Centre has now welcomed Jakki McPhail to the team, fresh from her previous role as a business development adviser at Richard Huish College.

Since opening in March, the centre has continued to attract new business tenants and interest, up from a strong start of 60 per cent occupancy on its opening day.

Planning is well under way to provide business advice and workshops at the centre for tenants and other local businesses, as well as regular business breakfasts to promote networking amongst local enterprises.

Adrian Sheen, of South West Business Centres, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jakki to the team.

We have much planned for the future at Highbridge Enterprise Centre, and Jakki will be instrumental in helping us to make those plans a reality.

“Whether you are looking to start or grow a business, South West Business Centres is able to provide help and advice on a range of areas, including in the form of regular business briefings through our monthly breakfast and networking events across Somerset.”

South West Business Centres’ next networking breakfast in the area is on Friday, May 29 at The Old School House, Frome. Visit www.swbusinesscentres.co.uk for more information.