A PIONEERING business idea aimed at regeneration and helping small businesses is being promoted in Stourbridge by a group of entrepreneurs.

The six-strong team has launched a bid to set up The Hub Stourbridge, based on a new concept which has been successfully established in 18 towns and cities around the world, including two in London and one in Bristol.

It will provide affordable workspace for small businesses, business start-ups, artists and freelancers who either cannot afford or do not need full use of an expensive office.

Members who join The Hub will be able to take advantage of a flexible tariff enabling them to rent as little as five hours worth of workspace every month, or as much as they want.

Team members Odilia Mabrouk, Dio Mock, Mark Chitty, Margy Henderson, Jane Duncan and Tony Laycock are looking for suitable town centre premises and have gained support from more than 20 “ambassadors” who have pledged to spread the word to potential users.

Odilia said: “The Hub will support local business and regeneration and support local issues, green business and the creative and social sector.

“An open-plan workspace will offer all the usual services that that would be available in a conventional office, including facilities for receiving mail and using telephone and computer connections.

“Hub members will also benefit from the use of a coffee bar, creative areas, meeting rooms and a full-time host who will manage the workspace and help to encourage and develop a strong community of members.”

It will be run as a community interest company, in which profits are ploughed back into the business which has to prove it has ethical credentials and is benefitting the community.

It is hoped the venture will be up and running by early next year.

The team is drawn from a variety of business backgrounds and includes an artist, a computer consultant and members working in personnel and developmemt, venues catering and events, sustainable design and build, environmental management and community work.