TWO entrepreneurs are making waves at Denton Wharf by opening a warehouse to serve the world. Geoff Watson and Glen Humble, who set up freight forwarding company Wavecrest in 1994, have pumped £20,000 into the large warehouse and offices at Mark Lane, Gravesend, to offer a "one-stop shop" to importers and exporters.

They say it is the only one in the town handling containers coming from or going anywhere in the world. The warehouse operation has created five jobs and more could be on the cards as business increases.

Denton Wharf handled its last ship in September 2000 and since fell into decline. But the area is enjoying a new lease of life as work returns and the nearby Canal Basin is given a facelift.

At the opening ceremony, performed by Deputy Lieutenant of Kent John Ogden, Mr Watson said: "Our new facilities will greatly benefit the local economy by creating employment and bring back to life an area that was once a bustling port facility. We have always used third party warehouse facilities to handle our business but we have now decided to bring everything in-house."

He said the company could handle all types of cargo "from an individual who wants to ship one suitcase of personal effects to his mum or multi-national companies moving hundreds of containers worldwide."

Mr Ogden, a Meopham businessman, cut a red ribbon to mark the occasion. He welcomed Wavecrest's initiative. "Anything that brings new employment to the area has got to be good news," he said. "I'm delighted and honoured to have been invited to open your new warehouse."

More than 30 guests attended the ceremony. Graham Sawell, chief executive of Gravesham Chamber of Commerce, said the project was a key part of regenerating the riverside area east of the town centre.

"This is good not just for Wavecrest but for Denton and the whole business community in Gravesham," he said.