A FRIENDLY new business community is being fostered at the Folkestone Enterprise Centre. The impressive site, the first development on the Shearway Business Park, next to junction 13 of the M20, opened on April 15 and since then has welcomed among others a publisher, a health care firm and a financial advisor into its care.

So far 18 of the 66 blank-canvas offices and light industry units ranging from 180 to 1,060 sq ft have been transformed into individual properties with two week flexible tenancies so firms can stay as long or as little as they please at the £3.5 million complex.

Fledgling entrepreneurs and small businesses are particularly welcome to trade from the park, landscaped with simple shingle and trendy cordylines, and managed by Basepoint which runs similar projects across the country.

The scheme was spearheaded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) supported by Shepway District Council and Believing in Folkestone. Centre manager Lorraine Grover said: "I hope this will be an exciting catalyst in helping with the regeneration of the area. We have had international interest. We are encouraging a community here where we would wish the businesses to support and use each other."

The rents are agreed on an all-inclusive basis with business rates, building insurance, external repairs and maintenance, cleaning and upkeep of common areas, waste disposal, heating, lighting, power, security, complete telecommunications infrastructure and parking spaces covered. Shepway Business Centre which neighbours all the units is open to offer advice and information and meeting rooms, fax, photocopying and secretarial expertise can also be accessed. A café is also planned.

Folkestone Enterprise Centre is now the home of Screen South, the supportive agency for the film industry, which has caused a little stir by bringing a spot of glamour to the proceedings with plush sofas in their offices. For more information contact Lorraine Grover on 01303 298298, email folkestone@basepoint.co.uk or log onto www.basepoint.co.uk