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Portsmouth Smarter Working Centre
Last updated: 27 July 2011 13:37 UKThe new Portsmouth Smarter Working Centre is open at Victory Business Centre. Smarter Working Centres (SWCs) are local, low-cost, no-commitment work-hubs with high-speed broadband access that gives entrepreneurs, business start-ups, home-based businesses and commuters the option to work more flexibly.
SWCs offer an affordable new way to work, meet, learn and exchange ideas. The centre offers low-cost accommodation and the chance to work and meet locally and avoid the stress and cost of the peak-time journey to work. It is hoped that the centre will help to reduce Portsmouth’s rush-hour congestion by reducing the numbers who commute from the city each day.
The centre, which includes internet connected work-spaces and access to multiple meeting rooms, will help Portsmouth workers to benefit from a better work-life balance, access to advice and a supportive working environment.
You can check availability of work, meeting space and any additional facilities for the time (duration) and date you choose to on the Smarter Working Centres website. Alternatively you can telephone the SWC (or the eHampshire programme office on 01962 846381) or via email you can send booking details to economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
Accommodation and usage costs are kept low by offering users the option of 'pay as you use' or discounted prepaid allocated work or meeting-space options. Depending upon the membership package chosen, work-space can work out at as little as £3 per hour or £10 per day. This can reduce even further if organisations are willing to pre-book longer periods.
Members also benefit from access to support, training and advice from expert organisations such as Business Link, Hampshire Chamber and Job Centre Plus.
Cllr Mike Hancock, Cabinet Member for planning, regeneration and economic development said: said: “I am delighted that the Portsmouth Smarter Working Centre has now opened at Victory Business Centre. I know that this facility will be of great use to commuters in the Portsmouth area and will provide a supportive environment for new businesses in an already flourishing business centre.”
Victory Business Centre is owned and managed by Portsmouth City Council.
The Smarter Working Centre initiative is part of a £425k investment by Hampshire County Council to help Hampshire businesses through and out of the recession to recovery.
